Risk Factors for Primary Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Recurrence: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis has identified significant risk factors for both the development and recurrence of primary pelvic organ prolapse (POP), providing clearer guidance for clinicians and improving personalized care for at-risk women.

In this comprehensive review, researchers analyzed studies with the strongest available evidence to identify risk and protective factors for POP. Findings confirm that increased age, higher BMI, higher birthweight, and presence of a levator ani muscle defect are statistically significant contributors to primary POP. Delivery mode, parity, and levator hiatal area also emerged as key anatomical and obstetric factors influencing prolapse risk.

Interestingly, cesarean delivery and smoking were found to have a protective effect against the development of primary POP — a finding that may inform patient-specific risk assessments.

For POP recurrence, the analysis highlighted younger age and higher preoperative POP-Q stages (3 and 4) as significant predictors of recurrence following initial treatment.

While several studies have addressed recurrence risks after mesh surgery, the review identified a critical gap in evidence surrounding recurrence following native tissue repair. The authors emphasize the need for future studies to adopt standardized definitions and outcome measures, allowing for greater comparability across studies and more robust conclusions in future meta-analyses.

By providing clinicians with a clearer understanding of patient-specific risks, this study paves the way for improved counseling, personalized management strategies, and targeted prevention efforts in women at higher risk for POP or recurrence following treatment.

IJCP Editorial Team

Comprising seasoned professionals and experts from the medical field, the IJCP editorial team is dedicated to delivering timely and accurate content and thriving to provide attention-grabbing information for the readers. What sets them apart are their diverse expertise, spanning academia, research, and clinical practice, and their dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, the IJCP editorial team strives to provide valuable perspectives, the latest trends, and in-depth analyses across various medical domains, all in a way that keeps you interested and engaged.