Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What Every Woman Should Know

Many women experience pelvic discomfort, pressure, or urinary changes as they age, especially after childbirth or hormonal shifts — and too often, it’s brushed off as “just getting older.” But these symptoms might actually be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that deserves attention and care.

In this post, we’ll break down what pelvic organ prolapse is, how to recognize it, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help you reclaim comfort and confidence.

Increased pressure is a sign of pelvic organ prolapse

🌸 What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (like your bladder, uterus, or rectum) weaken or stretch. This allows one or more of those organs to drop or press into the vaginal canal.

There are different types of prolapse, depending on which organ is involved:

• Cystocele: Bladder prolapse

• Rectocele: Rectum prolapse

• Uterine prolapse: Uterus descending into the vaginal canal

• Enterocele: Small intestine prolapse

It’s a very common condition, especially among women who’ve given birth, are postmenopausal, or have a history of heavy lifting or chronic constipation.

💬 Common Symptoms of Prolapse

Many women have mild prolapse and don’t realize it — or notice symptoms only with certain activities. Some signs to watch for:

• A feeling of pelvic pressure or heaviness

• A sensation of “something falling out” in the vaginal area

• Visible or palpable bulge at the vaginal opening

• Low back discomfort

• Difficulty starting urination or emptying the bladder completely

• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

• Discomfort with intercourse

If you notice any of these, it’s worth getting evaluated by a pelvic floor physical therapist or your healthcare provider.

🩺 Who’s at Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

While prolapse can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk:

• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth

• Menopause (due to estrogen decline)

• Chronic coughing

• Heavy lifting or straining

• Obesity

• Family history of prolapse

🌿 How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

The good news? Prolapse doesn’t always require surgery. Many women manage or improve symptoms with pelvic floor physical therapy.

A typical prolapse PT plan may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining (not just Kegels — often relaxation techniques too)

• Postural corrections

• Breathing strategies to reduce intra-abdominal pressure

• Bladder and bowel management tips

• Lifestyle modifications (lifting, movement, toileting habits)

Most importantly, you’ll get personalized care tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.

✨ What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Assessment

At Healing Space PT, a pelvic floor assessment is gentle, private, and patient-centered.

Dr. Mehreen Akhtar will review your symptoms, health history, and daily habits before assessing your posture, breathing, core muscles, and pelvic floor function (with your consent). From there, we build a treatment plan you feel good about.

📞 You Deserve to Feel Supported

Pelvic organ prolapse is common — but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether you’ve just started noticing symptoms or have been dealing with discomfort for years, help is available.

➡️ Book a free phone consultation today and let’s chat about how we can support you.

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