Genetic predictors for uterine prolapse in women

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder for women in which organs inside the pelvis herniate, or drop, into the vagina causing a vaginal bulge. These organs include the uterus, bladder, bowels and rectum. This can cause problems with bladder and bowel function. Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs get weak. Giving birth and getting older can cause this weakening. Certain genetic factors may also make you more likely to get this condition. Using BioVU samples, researchers will compare the DNA of women with and without prolapse. They will look for slight changes in genes (variants) in women with prolapse. They will also see if factors like age and body weight affect a woman’s risk of pelvic organ prolapse. The results could help doctors predict which women may get pelvic organ prolapse. Doctors could then counsel these women on how to prevent or best treat the condition.