The anatomy of genital prolapse.

The history of genital prolapse in women is given briefly. The normal anatomy of genital support is described and the histological and electron microscopic features of these suspensory tissues are briefly outlined. The causes of failure of the supportive system are reviewed and prophylaxis to avoid this failure is discussed. Certain anatomical characteristics are suggested to explain why genital prolapse is relatively common in the White, Indian and Coloured populations in the RSA, yet so uncommon in the Black population.