Women of all ages can be affected by PoP, though it is often a combination of factors such as repeated pregnancies, followed by deliveries without medical assistance and hard work in the fields without post-partum rest. It may appear during menopause when the connective tissues in the pelvis weaken.
PoP also impacts on the whole family and community. If a woman is no longer able to sit, walk or work without pain and discomfort, then her ability to support her family is affected, and this will then affect the wider community.