EARLY-ONSET PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE IN WOMEN AGED ≤30 YEARS: OBSTETRIC RISK PROFILE, PROLAPSE SEVERITY, AND SHORT-TERM TREATMENT OUTCOMES

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics, obstetric and anthropometric risk factors, prolapse severity, management patterns, and short-term clinical outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women aged ≤30 years. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was designed to evaluate 135 women aged 18–30 years with clinically diagnosed POP. Demographic, anthropometric, obstetric, medical, symptom, anatomical, treatment, and follow-up variables were recorded. POP was assessed using standardized terminology and POP-Q principles. Associations between selected factors and advanced prolapse were assessed using categorical statistical tests, with multivariable logistic regression planned where sample size and event frequency permitted. Results: Among 135 women, mean age was 27.1±2.4 years. Multiparity was present in 78.5%, vaginal delivery in 72.6%, and instrumental delivery in 14.8%. Overweight or obesity was present in 60.0%. Stage II prolapse was most common (48.1%), followed by stage III (30.4%), stage I (15.6%), and stage IV (5.9%). Advanced POP was more frequent among women with ≥3 deliveries, vaginal/instrumental delivery, BMI ≥25 kg/m², and shorter birth intervals. Conservative management was used in 45.9%, while 54.1% underwent surgical management; short-term clinical improvement was observed in 91.1%. Conclusion: Early-onset POP is clinically important in women aged ≤30 years. Obstetric exposure and excess body weight appear to be important characteristics associated with advanced disease. Early assessment, postpartum pelvic-floor care, appropriate obstetric practice, and individualized treatment may reduce long-term morbidity.