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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Family history as a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse
Mary T McLennan1, Jenine K Harris, Barbara Kariuki
1Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Saint Louis University, 6420 Clayton Rd., Ste. 290, St. Louis, MO 63117, USA. mclennam@slucare1.sluh.edu
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine whether a family history of prolapse and/or hernia is a risk factor for prolapse. A cohort of 458 women seeking gynecological care was classified as exposed (family history) or unexposed (without family history). We used chi2 to assess confounding and logistic regression to determine risk. Nearly half (47.3%) of the 458 participants reported a positive family history. Of these, 52.5% had prolapse. This was significantly higher than the 28.9% rate of prolapse in women without a family history (p<0.001). The crude risk ratio for family history of prolapse and/or hernia and prolapse was 1.8 (95% CI 1.4-2.3). After adjusting for vaginal deliveries, incontinence, and hysterectomy, the risk of prolapse was 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.8) times higher in women with a family history of prolapse and/or hernia. Heredity is a risk factor for prolapse. History taking should include both male and female family members.
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