Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when one of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus or rectum) is protruding into the vagina, or more severely past the vaginal opening. Clients often report feeling pressure at the vagina, a heaviness or bulge in this area, and sometimes difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying. Lying down usually helps decrease these symptoms and prolapse is not directly associated with pain. Prolapse symptoms can occur due to a combination of an increase in abdominal pressure (ie chronic cough, vaginal child birth), decreased connective tissue support through the organs (as a result of chronic abdominal pressure or tissue changes due to child birth or hormone changes), poor pelvic floor muscle support and sensitivity in the vaginal tissues.

Mythbuster: pelvic organ prolapse does NOT only occur in older women and pessaries can be used at any age to help relieve symptoms

Types of Prolapses:

• Cystocele: Prolapse of the bladder

• Rectocele: Prolpase of the rectum

• Urethrocele: Prolapse of the urethra

• Uterine prolapse: Prolapse of the uterus

• Vaginal Vault prolapse: Prolapse of the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy

• Enterocele: Prolapse of the intestine

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help:

• assess abdominal pressure regulation through muscle pattern and posture

• assess pelvic floor response and support and recommend appropriate exercises

• assess connective tissue laxity/stretch

• assess degree of prolapse and which organs are involved

• recommend and fit pessaries to help relieve symptoms when indicated

• consider tissue sensitivity and overall body awareness 

What you can do now:

• address constipation and decrease straining/pushing with bowel movements

• address stress levels – our body automatically holds tension through the abdomen, ribs, shoulders and pelvic floor muscles with stress, which can influence how tissues are responding through the pelvis.

• try exhaling with movement/lifting – breathing out tends to decrease abdominal pressure and signals the pelvic floor muscles to activate. This doesn’t work for everyone but feel free to try it out!

• offload/rest as needed through the day – lying down may help decrease symptoms temporarily 

​Is prolapse something you are concerned about? Let’s find out what is going on and work towards a solution together!