Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When your pelvic floor lacks the strength to fully support your vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum, one or more of these organs can drop lower into the pelvis causing you to feel a bulge or heaviness in your vagina. Don’t worry Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is proven to help.
Get measurable results
What causes pelvic organ prolapse
With pregnancy, your pelvic floor supports a baby for months. Add the strain of childbirth and it can become weak. With menopause, hormonal changes weaken muscles, including the pelvic floor. Other causes of prolapse include chronic constipation or coughing, repetitive heavy lifting, intense exercise, or nervous system and muscular diseases.
Work 1:1 with a pelvic floor physical therapist
Partner with VIYA to create a personalized treatment plan to strengthen your pelvic floor. Your plan may include:
- Techniques to reduce pressure
- Coordination and strengthening exercises
- Manual therapy for your pelvic floor
- Habit changes and modifications
- Guidance on using vaginal weights or a pessary
Power up your pelvic floor
Physical therapy for 12-16 weeks can improve prolapse by 1 grade. With uterine prolapse that is the distance equal to the halfway point between the cervix and the vaginal opening. You may experience relief from discomfort even sooner!
Common & Treatable
Prolapse is a common pelvic floor disorder and risk goes up with vaginal delivery, number of deliveries, and age. Physical therapy has been found to improve prolapse without surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
You may experience feelings of heaviness or pressure in the vagina, or it may feel as if something is “in” or “falling out” of your vagina. Symptoms are typically worse at the end of the day or with prolonged activity. You may also notice changes in your symptoms during your cycle.
Stages refer to how low an organ has dropped from its original position. These could be your bladder, uterus, rectum, or a combination. Stage 1 is when the organ has dropped into the upper half of the vagina. Stage 2 is when the organ is leaning on the vaginal opening. Stage 3 is when the organ is protruding out of the vagina. Stage 4 is when the uterus has come out of the vagina.
Prolapse most commonly impacts those who have had a vaginal birth, a pelvic surgery, or is going through menopause. People may also be at greater risk of developing prolapse if they have a family history of prolapse, have a condition with a chronic cough, strain with chronic constipation, or regularly lift heavy.
Some level of prolapse is normal and is an expected part of aging, but experiencing symptoms from a prolapse is potentially preventable. Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to maintain strength in your pelvic floor can reduce severity and symptoms.
A pessary is a ring or cube made of medical grade silicone that is inserted into the vaginal canal to provide an external support. This can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Pessary requires proper fitting and should not be bothersome or fall out with bearing down.
Vaginal weights come in various sizes and shapes and are designed to fit comfortably within the vagina. Once inserted, your pelvic floor muscles must contract to prevent it from falling out. While not required to build strength, they can be a helpful tool.
Depending on the severity of your prolapse, working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can lead to improved function and reduced symptoms within a few months. In other situations, use of a pessary may also be helpful in addressing symptoms. For the right candidate, surgery may be the appropriate option for care.