title: [Most important etiologic factors in the development of genital prolapse].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of genital prolapse depends on numerous factors. The contribution of race, gender and genetic factors is significant. However, additional factors of initiation, promotion and decomposition are necessary if a person with the genetic predisposition to genital prolapse begins to suffer from it. At least 50% of parous women are believed to suffer from genital prolapse of various degrees. Moreover, the prevalence of genital prolapse increases with age. The prevalence of genital prolapse is expected to be even higher in the future due to the extension of the lifespan of women worldwide.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the most common etiologic factors in the development of genital prolapse in the population of Serbia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted as prospective and included 50 women who underwent surgical treatment due to the problems caused by genital prolapse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age of the women was 58.74 years. Twenty percent of the women had the menstrual cycle, while 80% were in menopause. Mean menopause period was 8.88 years. None of the women used hormone replacement therapy. Mean BMI was 27.395 kg/m2. Twenty-eight percent of the women were of normal weight, while 72% of the women were obese (42% were obese and 30% were severely obese). Ninety-eight percent of the women were parous, and mean parity was 2.08. Mean birth weight of neonates was 3682.77 g. Sixty-four percent of the women did physical labour and lifted heavy objects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaginal childbirth is one of the most important initiating factors. The most significant promoting factor is obesity and heavy labour. Ageing and entering menopause are the most important factors of decomposition as well as the occurrence of clinical manifestations of the pelvic floor dysfunction.
authors.forename: Ljiljana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mladenović-Segedi
authors.forename: Dimitrije
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Segedi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000209:etiology*