Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse
This is when one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, womb or bowel) move downwards. They are usually felt as a bulge or a heaviness in the vagina or back passage (rectum). A prolapse occurs when the supporting tissues and/ or muscles between the pelvic organs weaken and stretch and the vaginal walls cannot be kept in place. For example, weakening of the tissues of the front vaginal wall means that the bladder bulges backwards into the front of the vagina. If there is a weakening of the tissues in the back vaginal wall, the bowel bulges forwards and down into the back of the vagina.
Pelvic organ prolapse is common after vaginal birth and around the time of the menopause. It can also occur with age, obesity, constipation, heavy manual work or activity, family history (your grandmother, mother or sister may have a prolapse) and if you have had pelvic surgery (i.e after hysterectomy).
8.4% of women in the UK have reported having a pelvic organ prolapse but many more prolapses have been found on examination. This shows that prolapses are common but do not need to be a problem. However, if you are having trouble with any of the following symptoms:
- vaginal heaviness or bulge
- difficulty completely emptying your bladder or bowels
- leakage of urine or stool
- discomfort in your lower back or tummy
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
it is good to have an assessment with your GP or gynaecologist.
In many circumstances, physiotherapy is beneficial to improve and even eliminate symptoms.
If you would like a physiotherapy consultation for your symptoms, our specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Gemma Barnes, would be pleased to provide an assessment and discuss treatment options with you.
Physiotherapy usually involves pelvic floor muscle exercises, advice for a healthy bladder and bowels, advice for managing daily activities and keeping fit and exercising with a prolapse. Gemma will also guide you as to whether it would be beneficial to see specialist gynaecologist.
Additional information
https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/womens_health/vaginal_prolapse.aspx
https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/womens_health/pessaries_for_prolapse.aspx
