When one of more of your pelvic organs; uterus, bladder, and rectum, drops lower in the pelvis, towards the vaginal opening, it is called a “prolapse.” You may feel it as a bulge or heaviness in your vagina. It can be achey and cause you issues with bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Prolapse is a common pelvic floor disorder and physiotherapy has been shown to improve prolapse, without surgery.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Prolapse answers

  • You may experience vaginal bulge (feel and appearance) , pelvic pressure, low back ache, bladder frequency, bowel constipation, incomplete bowel or bladder emptying, pain with intercourse &/or recurrent UTI. Your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day or menstrual cycle

  • The stage of a prolapse is related to how far from the vaginal opening the organ(s) has dropped to. Stage 1 is the most mild, while stage 4 is the most severe. It can sound scary, but there are many treatment options.

  • Prolapse most commonly impacts those who have had a vaginal birth or who are going through menopause. Other factors such as chronic constipation and connective tissue disorders can contribute to someone experiencing a pelvic organ prolapse at any stage of life.

    Anatomically (based only on examination) it affects up to 50% of folk AFAB, but only causes bothersome symptoms in 3-6% of them.

  • Conservative treatment depends on the degree of your symptoms and stage of POP. It can include:

    Bowel advice and managing constipation, managing chronic coughs, exercise considerations, Pelvic floor muscle training, vaginal estrogen &/or a vaginal pessary.

  • A pessary is a Silicone device used to provide mechanical support internally to the vaginal walls and help to reduce your symptoms. There are multiple types and they can be sized and fitted by us. Once fitted well, it can’t be felt and can even help with bladder leaking and bowel function.

You have a right to be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear and open way and be included in decisions and choices about your care.

Before deciding about your health care, it is important that you fully understand the risks and benefits of any medical assessment, treatment and procedure recommended by your health provider.

Asking questions about your assessment and treatment options will help you and your health care provider make better decisions together. These discussions also support the consent process.