What does it involve?

A pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess your pelvic floor through an internal vaginal examination. There are other ways to assess the pelvic floor if you are not comfortable with this. We then provide an individualised program to meet your demands and needs and improve your symptoms. 

The aim is to strengthen the pelvic floor to support your prolapse. If you are unsure about how to exercise with a prolapse, we can help you navigate this. A vaginal pessary may also be considered as well to provide internal support to the prolapse. A pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess what is the best fit for you.

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What is a prolapse?

A pelvic organ prolapse is when there is a weakening in the fascial connections and ligaments within the pelvis. Thus the pelvic organ tends to drop into the vagina. You can have a prolapse or the bladder, bowel or uterus. In some rare cases the small intestine can also prolapse into the vagina.

What are the symptoms of prolapse?

A prolapse can present in a few different ways. You may notice:

• A sensation of heaviness or a dragging sensation in the pelvic area
• Or you are able to feel a lump in the vaginal area?
• A sense of incomplete emptying with the bladder or changing urine flow
• Incomplete emptying of the bowels or constipation
• Bladder or bowel urgency and/or incontinence
• Pain with intercourse
• Lower back ache
  
  

Common causes of prolapse

• Pregnancy and delivering naturally with or without the assistance of certain devices such as forceps
• Occasions where there are repeated or frequent changes in pressures in the abdominal region such as constipation and straining, repetitive lifting
• Chronic coughing with asthma, smoking or any respiratory disease
• Menopause and age secondary to oestrogen level changes
• Previous gynaecological surgery in the abdominal area