For women who want to feel supported, strong, and be able to take on any activity they choose.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or bowel) descend from their normal position. Many women experience prolapse, do not feel embarrassed to talk about it. Surgery is NOT the only option.
The reality is that prolapse is common—affecting up to 50% of women who have given birth—and there are many effective, non-surgical treatment options available. Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing prolapse symptoms, improving quality of life, and helping you return to the activities you love.
Prolapse can develop due to pregnancy and childbirth (especially instrumental deliveries or prolonged pushing), chronic straining with constipation, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, hormonal changes during menopause, aging, and genetic factors affecting connective tissue. Understanding what has contributed to your prolapse helps guide the most effective treatment approach.
Living with heaviness, bulging sensation, or limitations that prolapse can bring is not normal. With proper assessment, education, and management, most women can significantly improve their symptoms and be able to move confidently again.
Types of Prolapse I Assess & Treat:
- Anterior Prolapse (Cystocele)
- Posterior Prolapse (Rectocele)
- Apical (or Vault) Prolapse
- Enterocele
- Multiple compartment prolapse
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have prolapse?
Common symptoms include a bulging or heaviness in the vagina, a dragging sensation in the pelvis, feeling like “something is falling out,” difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, or seeing or feeling tissue at the vaginal opening. However, some women have prolapse without any symptoms. A proper assessment can diagnose and grade prolapse.
Will my prolapse get worse?
Not necessarily. Many women’s prolapse remains stable, especially with appropriate pelvic floor rehabilitation and lifestyle management. Some women’s prolapse improves with treatment. However often they do worsen, as factors like hormonal changes, chronic straining, heavy lifting and simply being upright with the effects of gravity, can contribute to progression over time, which is why addressing these early is important.
Do I need surgery?
Surgery is simply another option. Conservative management with pelvic floor physiotherapy and/or pessary use is highly effective for women. Surgery may be considered if conservative options haven’t helped, symptoms are severely impacting quality of life, or if you prefer surgical management. I can help you determine what’s right for you.
What is a pessary and how does it work?
A pessary is a removable silicone device that sits inside the vagina to support prolapsed organs. There are many different shapes and sizes, and finding the right fit is key. Many women find pessaries life-changing—allowing them to exercise, work, and live without prolapse symptoms. I provide pessary assessment, fitting, education on insertion and removal, and ongoing reviews.
Can I still exercise with prolapse?
Yes! Exercise is important for overall health and can actually help manage prolapse when done appropriately. The key is learning which exercises and movement patterns to modify, how to manage intra-abdominal pressure, and how to support your pelvic floor during activity. I provide tailored guidance so you can stay active safely.
Will prolapse affect my sex life?
Not necessarily. Prolapse can impact sexual function and confidence, but it doesn’t have to. Many women with prolapse maintain great intimate lives, especially with proper management. Pessaries can be removed for intercourse, and pelvic floor work can improve sensation and comfort. We often discuss strategies to support intimacy alongside managing prolapse.
Is it too late to do anything about my prolapse?
It’s never too late. Whether you’ve just noticed symptoms or have been living with prolapse for years, pelvic floor physiotherapy and conservative management can still help improve symptoms and quality of life.