The epidemiology, social burden, and genetics of pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse carries a significant social burden. The disease negatively affects the quality of life of afflicted patients and involves significant health care costs that are expected to increase over the next three decades. Socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with the development of pelvic organ prolapse, but a growing body of evidence also suggests that genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. This review summarizes the current understanding of the epidemiology, social burden, and genetics of pelvic organ prolapse.