Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Do you have a heavy, dragging feeling in your vagina?

Can you feel or see something bulging at the entrance of your vagina?

Has your GP or Gynae told you that you have a prolapse?

Did you know that 50% of women who’ve had a baby have a prolapse and that women of all ages can be affected??!! Don’t panic as surgery is not the only answer, especially if you treat a prolapse early.

Prolapse is the descent of one or more of the pelvic organs eg. the bladder, uterus or bowel. This may or may not result in some incontinence.

Common symptoms:

• A heavy or dragging feeling in the vagina, especially by the end of the day
• Something bulging at the entrance of the vagina
• Increased discomfort following prolonged standing or exercise
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
• Pain or difficulty with intimacy
• Low back ache

Possible causes:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Weakness or poor use of pelvic floor muscles
• Abdominal, back or pelvic surgery
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic cough
• Repetitive heavy lifting at work or the gym
• Obesity
• Ageing and menopause
• Strenuous sports
• Genetic factors

What can be done?

• Research shows that the use of a personalised pelvic health program can successfully reduce prolapse symptoms and stop the progression, especially if treated early.
• Learn where the pelvic floor muscles are and how to use them
• Specific exercises will help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• Education on how to use these muscles in your daily activities including exercise or at work
• Advice on preventing further weakness of these muscles and reducing risk factors
• Posture correction