Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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Some terms related to prolapse include: uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, rectal prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and enterocele. Prolapse is usually defined as descent (dropping or sinking) of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, posterior wall, the uterus (cervix), or the apex of the vagina. There are causes associated with prolapse which include, but are not limited to: vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, chronic constipation, constant heavy lifting with straining, and menopause.

Symptoms associated with prolapse include, but are not limited to: stress urinary incontinence; pelvic pain; back pain; feeling “heaviness or pressure” in the abdomen or pelvis; a “falling out” feeling; “bulging” in or outside the vagina; over active, shortened or discoordinated pelvic floor muscles (PFM); weak or lengthened PFM; and difficulty fully emptying your bladder and/or bowels. A pelvic floor therapist can provide education on your prolapse condition and assess your abdominal/ pelvic pressure management; they can evaluate your PFM including muscle tightness, weakness and coordination; provide breath therapy and abdominal/pelvic pressure management training; and prescribe appropriate therapeutic exercises, in addition to providing various manual interventions (including digital splinting)-all to aid you in decreasing and eliminating your symptoms that may have accompanied your prolapse. If you have experienced new severe onset of any of the symptoms listed above, please see your physician for a medical screening.