This occurs when a woman's pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, thus providing inadequate support for the uterus causing it to slip down or protrude out of the vagina. This can happen to women of any age but often affects postmenopausal women who have had one or more vaginal deliveries.

Some of the other causes include:

• Normal aging
• Lack of estrogen after menopause
• Pelvic tumour (rare)
• Anything that adds pressure on the pelvic muscles including obesity or chronic cough

The symptoms of uterine prolapse include:

• Low backache
• Vaginal bleeding
• Repeated bladder infections
• Sensation of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
• Problems with sexual intercourse

Uterine prolapse can be prevented by:

• Tightening the pelvic floor muscles using Kegel exercise that help strengthen the muscles thus reducing the risk of uterine prolapse
• Weight loss if you're overweight
• Estrogren therapy in postmenopausal women to help maintain muscle tone in the vaginal area
• Treat and prevent constipation
• Avoid heavy lifting and lift correctly by using your legs instead of your waist or back
• Get treatment for a chronic cough and don't smoke

Uterine prolapse does not require treatment unless it's severe and the symptoms disrupt your daily life!