Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ prolapse affects approximately 50% of women who have experienced a vaginal delivery and refers to the descent of one or more of our pelvic organs. This could involve the bladder, bowel, or uterus. Often the symptoms of prolapse become more noticeable at the oneset of perimenopause or menopause. Symptoms of prolapse include:

• a heaviness or dragging sensation in the vagina, usually worse at the end of the day

• a noticeable lump at the entrance to the vagina

• difficulty inserting tampons or getting them to stay in

• lower back pain

• changes to our bowel or bladder function, including increased frequency of urination, bladder urgency, or incomplete emptying of the bowel or bladder

• pain with sexual intercourse

Physiotherapy management of pelvic organ prolapse includes a tailored pelvic floor muscle program to support the pelvic organs. Fitting of a support pessary is also a common and successful treatment option, especially for those who would prefer not to have surgery. The type of pessary chosen is dependent on a number of factors, which your physiotherapist will discuss with you after an examination.