Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

There are different types of prolapse depending upon which structure or structures have lost support.

Cystolcele is a prolapse of the bladder.

Rectocele is a prolapse of the rectum.

Uterine prolapse is a prolapse of the uterus.

Urethrocele is a prolapse of the urethra.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse is a prolapse of the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy.

Enterocele prolapse is a prolapse of the intestines.

Your symptoms will depend upon the type of prolapse you that you have, and being able to describe these will help your physiotherapist diagnose which type of prolapse you are suffering from.
Symptoms of a prolapse can include:

A dragging sensation

Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, including difficulty initiating flow of urine or bowel constipation.

A feeling of vaginal or rectal heaviness or pressure

Pain that increases during long periods of standing

Something bulging at the vagina or perineum

The feeling of an obstruction when having sexual intercourse or difficulty achieving penetration.

Discomfort or pain during intercourse

Enlarged wide or gaping vaginal opening.

Diagnosis of a prolapse will involve taking a detailed history as well as an assessment of your posture and movement. A pelvic assessment will also be carried out which will involve an internal examination.

Prolapses are graded, depending upon how far the structures have pushed down into the vaginal wall or out of the vaginal vault. For most early grades, research has shown that physiotherapy can help to improve the resting position of the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs by supervised and correctly performed pelvic floor exercises. Once there is sufficient strength in the tissues of the pelvic floor, and they are contracting correctly, we can help you learn how to return to normal functional activities that your prolapse might have previously affected.