Signs And Symptoms Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse, sometimes referred to as “POP” or simply “prolapse”, is when one of the pelvic organs descends or bulges into or outside the vaginal canal. It can be due to weakened or stretched ligaments or pelvic floor muscles. This can happen with the uterus, bladder or rectum or a combination.
Although prolapse isn’t talked about a lot, it is something that is common in women, especially after having a baby. Women’s bodies are constantly changing – through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause and symptoms you may not have had previously may appear at different points in your life.
I get so many women in my office that are distraught over their symptoms. They are filled with fear and anxiety that they will never be able to jump, run, lift heavy weights --or even scared about the idea of having another potential child!
This is why it is important to know and understand the signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse —and the ways it can be addressed. Understanding and knowing your body can help to decrease fear and anxiety if/when symptoms are noticed.
Common Signs and Symptoms Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Although everyone’s symptoms are unique to them, these are some commonly reported signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse:
Pelvic Pressure or Heaviness: Feeling like something is “falling out”. This feeling may get worse with standing, exercise, carrying heavy things or at the end of the day.
Seeing a Bulge: A bulge when looking down there or you may feel it when they are in the shower or wiping when using the toilet.
Bladder Changes: An increase in urine leaks, difficulty initiating the stream or urine, feeling as if you can’t completely empty your bladder or an increase in urgency
Bowel Changes: Constipation or straining or feeling like you still have stool stuck even after you’ve gone,
Pain: Low back pain, pelvic pain or pain with sex
Noticing these symptoms can be scary and make you feel like something is really wrong with you. It is important to know that there are several things you can do to decrease the symptoms and function normally—even with pelvic organ prolapse.
In the past, doctors have given the advice that once you are diagnosed with prolapse, you shouldn’t do things such as lifting weights, running or jumping. Thankfully, these suggestions are outdated and incorrect. We now know and understand that maintaining strength, mobility and bone density is so important for longevity! And its not really about what you do---but rather how you do it!
Pelvic Floor Therapy Treatment For Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic floor therapy can help to decrease or relieve your symptoms, teach you how to manage any symptoms that you may have and strategies to continue doing the things you enjoy and want to do. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, seeking pelvic floor therapy is a first line strategy for treatment.
Treating symptoms when you first notice them can help to prevent them from getting worse. Prolapse can be progressive when left untreated which can lead to needing more aggressive interventions such as surgery.
Pelvic floor therapy can address prolapse through pelvic floor muscle strengthening, strategies to manage symptoms, pressure management and corrective exercises to address posture and breathing techniques.
It is also important to look at and discuss how you:
complete daily tasks (such as carrying car seats, sit, stand, sleep, etc!)
lift loads (through exercise or just life—toddlers are heavy!!)
exercise (either developing an exercise routine or modifying your current routine as needed)
use the toilet (using a squatty potty, splinting as needed, pushing out pee or poop vs. muscles relaxing, etc)
Pessaries And Prolapse
Pessaries are also another tool that can be used in reducing symptoms of prolapse. There is also evidence to support that pessaries can help you to be able to increase pelvic floor muscle strength. Pessaries are a device you can insert into your vagina, similar to how you can insert a cup or disc when on your period.
Pessaries help to support the pelvic organs which reduces the symptoms listed above as well as decrease stress on the ligaments and pelvic floor muscles.
As a pelvic floor therapist with advanced training in prolapse and pessary fitting, I can help! Whether you notice symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, frustrating urinary leaks, annoying urinary urgency and frequency or core weakness, I am here to support you and get you back to feeling better!
I work with women in the Lancaster and Columbus, Ohio area! You can schedule a free 15 minute discovery call to discuss your symptoms!
You can also access a free screening questionnaire to learn more about symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Next On Reading List:
What Is Prolapse and Why Don’t I Know About It?
Pelvic Floor Therapy: What To Expect
What Does The Pelvic Floor Do?
