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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kevin Basile, MD
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the prolapse of the bladder or rectal wall, uterus, or vaginal vault into the vaginal canal and potentially through the vaginal introitus. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) is a tool that is used to diagnose and stage POP using anatomical measurements. Nearly half of patients assigned female at birth will experience POP in their lifetime, however up to one third of them will not have access to specialty care. In patients who utilize primary care providers for their gynecologic care, using the POP-Q to diagnose suspected prolapse may not only increase provider and patient awareness of the condition but also improve access to preliminary assessment and care. This continuing medical education article will examine how this assessment tool can be used in the primary care setting as well as explore the etiology, presentation, and first line therapeutic options for POP.
Recommended Citation
Froehlich, Lauryn, "Utility of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitative System (POP-Q): Education for the Primary Care Provider" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 89.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/89
Utility of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitative System (POP-Q): Education for the Primary Care Provider
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the prolapse of the bladder or rectal wall, uterus, or vaginal vault into the vaginal canal and potentially through the vaginal introitus. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) is a tool that is used to diagnose and stage POP using anatomical measurements. Nearly half of patients assigned female at birth will experience POP in their lifetime, however up to one third of them will not have access to specialty care. In patients who utilize primary care providers for their gynecologic care, using the POP-Q to diagnose suspected prolapse may not only increase provider and patient awareness of the condition but also improve access to preliminary assessment and care. This continuing medical education article will examine how this assessment tool can be used in the primary care setting as well as explore the etiology, presentation, and first line therapeutic options for POP.