Clinical Corner

In our clinical corner this newsletter Jo is teaching us about pelvic organ prolapse and the role of physiotherapy. 

Prolapse is very common affecting about 1 in 3 women who have had children. It can also affect women who have not been pregnant or given birth. Many women do not seek help until their symptoms become very bothersome. There is understandably a lot of fear associated with having a prolapse diagnosed but there is lots that can be done to help and improve symptoms.  

Pelvic organ prolapse, often referred to as ‘prolapse’, is where a pelvic organ which may be the bladder, bowel, rectum or uterus moves downwards in the vagina causing the symptom of ‘something coming down’ or a feeling of vaginal heaviness. The bulge may be felt inside or outside the vagina. Prolapse may also cause bladder, bowel or sexual symptoms. The pelvic organs - the bladder, the vagina, the uterus and the rectum - are held and supported inside the bony pelvis by ligaments and muscles; commonly called the ‘pelvic floor’. 

The pelvic floor muscles help to support the pelvic organs and control the bladder and bowel to prevent incontinence. If either the pelvic floor muscles or the supporting structures weaken, the pelvic organs can bulge into the vagina causing the vaginal walls to move downwards resulting in a prolapse.

Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist is a great way of receiving important information early so you can best understand how you can help yourself to improve and manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and appropriate exercises and intervention where necessary. Please call us for further information.