Open Access

Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Jiaxin Gao
    • Yi Li
    • Junyi Hou
    • Yirong Wang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 8, 2024     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2024.12761
  • Article Number: 11
  • Copyright: © Gao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where one or more pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder and rectum) descend from their normal anatomical positions into the vagina, primarily due to the weakening of the pelvic floor support structures. While not life‑threatening, POP can substantially diminish the patient's quality of life and lead to serious social and psychological complications. Researchers have explored novel directions regarding the etiology, mechanism and treatment of POP. However, existing literature on the subject often lacks comprehensive and systematic overviews. To address this gap and enhance researchers' understanding of POP, the present study reviewed the risk factors and molecular mechanisms of POP [including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs, transforming growth factor β, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptor for AGE, phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/protein kinase B, fibulin, lysyl oxidase‑like 1, homeobox A11, collagen α‑1 (XVIII) chain, Wnt signaling pathways and estrogen receptor α], as well as therapeutic approaches, such as lifestyle interventions, physical methods, pharmacotherapy, stem cell transplantation and surgical techniques. The present review aims to provide new insights for future research and contribute to the advancement of diagnosis and treatment strategies for POP.
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January-2025
Volume 29 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Gao J, Li Y, Hou J and Wang Y: Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review). Exp Ther Med 29: 11, 2025.
APA
Gao, J., Li, Y., Hou, J., & Wang, Y. (2025). Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 29, 11. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2024.12761
MLA
Gao, J., Li, Y., Hou, J., Wang, Y."Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 29.1 (2025): 11.
Chicago
Gao, J., Li, Y., Hou, J., Wang, Y."Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 29, no. 1 (2025): 11. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2024.12761