The Scoop on Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is a Pelvic Organ Prolapse?:

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. This can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pressure, vaginal bulge, urinary incontinence, and discomfort during intercourse.

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

Pelvic organ prolapse can result from various factors, including pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, obesity, chronic constipation, repetitive heavy lifting, and aging. These factors can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supportive structures, increasing the risk of prolapse.

The Role of the Pelvic Floor in Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

Your pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs and maintaining pelvic floor integrity. Weakness or dysfunction in these muscles can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse by compromising the structural support of the pelvic organs. Strengthening and optimising pelvic floor muscle function is essential in managing and preventing pelvic organ prolapse.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

We offer a comprehensive approach to managing pelvic organ prolapse. Our skilled physiotherapists will guide you through targeted pelvic floor exercises to strengthen and tone your pelvic floor muscles, improving muscle strength, endurance, and support, and reducing symptoms of prolapse.

We believe educating on lifestyle factors that can exacerbate pelvic organ prolapse, including lifting techniques, constipation management, and pelvic floor-friendly exercises is the best way to empower you to manage your condition. Making modifications to these factors can help reduce strain on the pelvic floor and alleviate symptoms.

For some individuals, a pessary—a small device inserted into the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs—may be recommended, and our physiotherapists can assist with managing these once they have bene fitted by your gynaecologist.

Throughout your physiotherapy journey, we closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed, providing ongoing support, encouragement, and guidance to help you manage pelvic organ prolapse effectively

If you're experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, know that you're not alone, and effective treatment options are available. With our comprehensive physiotherapy interventions and personalised care, you can strengthen your pelvic floor, alleviate symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Schedule your appointment with Darwin Health Group Physiotherapy today and take the first step toward pelvic health and wellness.