Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Physiotherapy can be very successful in reducing symptoms and preventing worsening of the prolapse. The main aim of physiotherapy is usually to improve the function of your pelvic floor muscles, so that they can provide improved support to your pelvic organs. You will be given guidance in the appropriate lifestyle changes to make to prevent further worsening of the prolapse.
It is possible to experience pressure, heaviness or a dragging feeling in your vagina, or even see or feel a bulge in or at its entrance.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder or bowel) descends into the vaginal space. This happens when the pelvic floor muscles, fascia and ligaments that suspend these organs stretch and become weakened. For the sufferer, typically enjoyable activities become unpleasant.
This is common, not normal and help is available.
Sometimes women will also experience or complain of:
- incomplete emptying of bladder or bowels & needing to strain
- incontinence
- frequency of urination
- urgency of bladder or bowels
- needing to apply pressure on perineum to open bowels
- difficultly inserting tampons
- pain with sex, or feeling something in the way
- backache or abdominal discomfort
- To note: experiencing these symptoms is not a confirmation of prolapse.
- Pregnancy & Childbirth
- Ageing
- Menopause
- Genetics
- Hyper-mobility conditions such as; Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Conditions that cause excessive strain on the pelvic floor like:
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy lifting
- Straining
- Manage your risk
- Listen to your body. If symptomatic, lie with a pillow under your buttocks to rest your organs, muscles and ligaments
- Visit a Women’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist!
Research tells us that pelvic floor muscle training, under the guidance of a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, reduces symptoms and may stop the progression of prolapse.
What Can Embrace Physiotherapy Do for You?
- Create a thorough assessment and treatment plan
- Design an individual pelvic floor muscle exercise program
- Provide program progress and practical advice
- Screen for risk factors that worsen your symptoms and offer modifications to maximise your function
- Consider a pessary to assist symptoms, in conjunction with your medical practitioner
- Assess and manage any co-existing sexual, bladder or bowel symptoms
