Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is described as the bulging or slippage of one or more pelvic organs into or out of the vagina. The pelvic organs consist of the uterus, vagina, bowel, and bladder. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles, ligaments and fascia that hold these organs in their correct positions, weaken. 

There are five types of pelvic organ prolapse and symptoms vary, however, in general symptoms can include:
  • Pressure, pain or fullness in the vagina, rectum or both
  • Feeling a downward dragging or like your “insides are falling out”
  • Urinary incontinence or stress incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Low back, pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Lack of sexual sensation or painful intercourse
  • Unable to keep a tampon in
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is common and can affect women at any stage, most commonly post-natally (vaginal or c-section birth). It is estimated that almost 1 in 2 women are affected.
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What are the risk factors?

Some of the risk factors for prolapse are pregnancy & childbirth, ageing & menopause, genetics, hypermobility, and conditions that cause excessive strain on the pelvic floor like obesity, chronic cough, chronic constipation, heavy lifting and straining.

Can physiotherapy help POP?

There is the high level of evidence for the effectiveness of pelvic physiotherapy in the management of prolapse. Research shows that pelvic floor rehabilitation can both improve symptoms and reduce the size of your prolapse. In other words, pelvic floor rehabilitation may help to lift your organs back up so they sit higher in the pelvis, reducing the degree of bulge seen in the vagina.

At Women’s Health Matters it is important to know that we manage your pelvic floor dysfunction holistically. And help you return to your daily life and exercise while taking care of your pelvic floor. Your rehabilitation will not only involve pelvic floor exercises, but we also assess and optimise:

  • Your posture
  • The way you move/lift
  • The strength of your muscles above & below your pelvic floor
  • Core & gluteal strength
  • Hip & ankle stability
  • Bladder & bowel habits
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