title: Epidemiology and prevalence of pelvic organ  prolapse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology and prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There will be an increase in demand for pelvic floor treatment as the aging population increases in number. Identification of modifiable risk factors may help in patient counseling and prevention in patients at risk for developing pelvic organ prolapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As the elderly population is expected to double in number by the year 2030, pelvic organ prolapse will become more prevalent. To allocate resources to the increasing number of female patients who will present to healthcare providers with pelvic organ prolapse, we need a better understanding of its incidence, risk factors, prevalence, natural history, clinical implications, and treatment options. This understanding will not only improve our ability to treat this growing patient population but will also help us develop preventive strategies to ameliorate patients' suffering from this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA. dchow@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Larissa V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors