Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, shifts downward and creates pressure or a bulging sensation in the vagina.

It can sound alarming, especially if you've never heard of prolapse before. But a prolapse diagnosis doesn't automatically mean surgery, and it doesn't mean you have to stop exercising, lifting, running, or doing the things you love!

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you understand what's happening, manage your symptoms, and learn how to move with more confidence.

Does This Sound Familiar?

You may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy if you:

• Feel heaviness, pressure, or dragging in your pelvis or vagina

• Notice a bulge or feel like "something is falling out"

• Feel worse after standing, exercising, lifting, or at the end of the day

• Have difficulty completely emptying your bladder or bowels

• Feel like you need to change position or apply pressure to empty your bowels

• Avoid lifting, running, exercise, or sex because you're afraid of making your prolapse worse

• Developed symptoms during pregnancy, postpartum, or around menopause

• Were diagnosed with prolapse and aren't sure what you're supposed to do next

Why Is This Happening?

Prolapse isn't simply a matter of having a "weak pelvic floor” and the treatment isn’t as simple as “do more kegels” or “stop lifting weights”.

Your pelvic floor works as part of a larger system with your diaphragm, abdominal muscles, hips, and the way your body manages pressure during everyday activities.

Pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, chronic constipation or straining, persistent coughing, repetitive heavy lifting, and changes in pelvic-floor function can all contribute.

Pelvic floor PT looks at how your body manages pressure, strength, movement, breathing, and daily activity so we can determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and help you learn what you can safely do.

The goal isn't to make you afraid of movement.