Vaginal childbirth, especially multiple births and aging are the primary risk factors. Prolonged labor and large children can stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles leading to weakened support for the vagina. This does not happen in all women but does happen in many who may not recover completely from the birthing process. Menopause initiates a host of changes in a woman’s body, which can affect pelvic region muscle tone.
Aging in general weakens muscles throughout the body including the pelvic region. Other factors such as obesity and chronic coughing associated with asthma, smoking and respiratory disease are also associated with weakening these muscles. Chronic constipation and bearing down to expel waste can weaken pelvic muscles.
