Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is pelvic organ prolapse? This is a condition when one or more pelvic organs drop from their position. This can create various symptoms depending on the type of prolapse that is happening.

Different kinds of prolapse:

• Uterine prolapse: prolapse of the uterus

• Cystocele: bladder prolapse

• Enterocele: small intestine protrudes through the upper part of the vagina

• Rectocele: the front wall of the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina

• Rectal prolapse: prolapse of the rectum

Symptoms may include:

• Heaviness, vaginal pressure, bulging into the vagina that may worsen with prolonged standing or activity

• Bladder issues such as frequent urination, urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder, or urinary leakage

• Difficulty passing stool, constipation, or a bulge or protrusion in the vagina (rectocele)

• Pain with sex or backache

There are different grades of prolapse and physicians use a POP-Q assessment to give a score of 1-4. The score is less important compared to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Treatments vary depending on your individual symptoms and goals but often include manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle assessment, education, pelvic floor muscle strength/endurance exercises, posture and breathing education, self-management strategies, and other resources and options that can facilitate improvement. Our job is to help you get back to feeling your best self!