Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Physiotherapy for Pelvic floor dysfunction

Feel Supported and Empowered: Expert Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Tailored to Your Recovery Journey

A pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when your uterus (uterine or apical/vault prolapse), bladder (anterior vaginal wall prolapse or cystocele/urethrocele) or bowel (posterior wall prolapse or rectocele) comes down into your vagina instead of sitting in its normal position. You can have prolapse of more than one organ at the same time.

POP occurs in up to 50% of women after childbirth. Did you know that:

40% will be symptomatic
10-20% have a lifetime risk of undergoing surgical correction of POP

Common symptoms may include

feeling of heaviness, dragging or aching sensation in the vaginal area, which often feels worse with prolonged standing or activities or towards the end of the day
Vaginal ‘bulge’ or ‘lump’
Low back ache
Difficulty emptying your bladder
Difficulty emptying your bowel
Painful intercourse

Why does this happen?

POP occurs due to overstretched ligaments and fascia that are meant to support these organs in place within the pelvic cavity and/or due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. There are many reasons why this could occur, including:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Ageing and menopause
Obesity or being overweight
Chronic cough
Chronic constipation or straining to use your bowel
Heavy weightlifting
Returning to sport, aerobics or high-impact exercises too soon

Many women describe this sensation as i‘feeling like everything is going to fall out’ or ’sitting on a golf ball’.

How can a pelvic health physiotherapist help you with POP?

Pelvic floor muscle training
Advice on lifestyle changes
use of pessary to support the vaginal walls and/or uterus
Advice on activity modifications or prescribing pelvic floor-safe exercises
Topical oestrogen cream (prescribed by GP)

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of prolapse, it is important to have your pelvic floor checked by a pelvic health physiotherapist.