Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum slip down from their normal position due to weakening of the supporting muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor.This is a common condition, and it’s estimated that up to 50% of women will experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime. In Australia, the lifetime risk of requiring surgery for POP is around 10–20%
Common Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms
- A vaginal bulge or sensation of “something falling down”
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Lower back ache
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels
- Recurrent infection, discharge, or irritation
Potential Pelvic Organ Prolapse Causes
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Chronic respiratory conditions or persistent coughing
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Regular heavy lifting
- High-level or elite athletic activity
- Menopause and reduced oestrogen
Assessment
We begin your assessment the moment you walk in paying attention to how you move, breathe, and carry yourself.
Subjective assessment:
We’ll talk about your symptoms, pregnancy and birth history, exercise habits, bowel and bladder function, and how prolapse affects your daily life.
Objective assessment:
We’ll assess your pelvic floor muscle strength, breathing and pressure management, and movement patterns.
We use real-time ultrasound to help you see how your pelvic floor and deep core muscles activate and coordinate.
If appropriate, an internal vaginal assessment may also be offered to determine the degree and type of prolapse, ensuring your plan is tailored to your needs.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment With Us
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening with real-time ultrasound feedback
- Teaching “The Knack maneuver ” contracting the pelvic floor before coughing, sneezing, or lifting
- Posture and lifting education to reduce strain on pelvic structures
- Strategies to reduce strain through breathing and toileting technique
- Lifestyle and exercise advice to maintain pelvic health
Plan
Our goal is to help you understand your prolapse, feel supported, and regain confidence in your body. From your first session, we design a holistic and individualised plan to improve your strength, function, and comfort, so you can return to the activities you love safely.
“Your body has done incredible things – sometimes it just needs the right guidance to heal and feel supported again.”
Rehabilitate, Educate, Innovate.
Providing excellence in physiotherapy from assessment to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation