Who is at risk for getting an enterocele?

Who is at risk for getting an enterocele?

Your risk of developing an enterocele increases during and after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Estrogen helps keep pelvic muscles strong. More than 1 in 3 women with pelvic floor disorders like enteroceles are between 60 and 79 years old. About half are older than 80.

Other conditions that weaken pelvic floor muscles and cause enteroceles include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Chronic coughing from conditions like bronchitis or asthma or smoking.
• Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Constipation.
• Lifting heavy items.
• Obesity.
• Pelvic surgeries, such as a hysterectomy.
• Radiation therapy to the pelvic area.