We Australians are a race of sun-worshippers and rush to expose our bodies to the warmth of the sun as we lie on the beach, around a home pool or even working in the garden.

But, for most of us, sun tanning presents a hazard. Our genes are derived from ancestors who lived in northern Europe and had fair skin.

Genetically, we have not had long enough living in this different climate to develop a darker skin color. Those of us who are naturally more olive skinned or who come from Southern Europe have better protection but we all need to exercise care.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun stimulate the pigment-producing cells in the skin to produce melanin which leads to tanning, but fairer skin contains little pigment and its ability to produce it under the stimulation of ultraviolet light is limited. These rays can damage the skin and cause both acute and chronic changes.

Ultraviolet or UV rays can penetrate cloud layers and so affect the skin even on overcast days. They can be reflected from water or sand and sneak up on you even as you cringe under a beach umbrella.

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Prolapse may occur at any age and even in women who have never borne children.

But it is far more common in those who have had several pregnancies and in those past the menopause.

Some women are prepared to tolerate the discomforts, but most are aware of the medical care available and seek treatment.

The female pelvic organs are held in place by a number of structures. Ligaments of the womb are attached to the side walls of the pelvis and form a sling to support the uterus.

Two main muscles stretch across the lower pelvis and offer support and a thick piece of tissue sits just under the skin between the opening of the vagina and the rectum.

A prolapse is like a hernia of the female genital organs. Three main problems usually occur together, but there may be a combination of two or one only.

There is descent of the womb; the bladder may fall backwards through the lax front wall of the vagina; the rectum may fall forwards through the lax back wall.

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