Did you know that up to 75% of women develop a prolapse sometime in their lifetime?

Prolapses are such a common condition for many women to be told that they have. While prolapse is considered COMMON, it does not mean that it is NORMAL. It also doesn’t mean that every type of prolapse will have negative effects on every woman’s life, BUT If it does, it definitely shouldn’t stay that way.

So what exactly is a prolapse?

A pelvic organ prolapse is ‘the dropping of a pelvic organ’, due to reduced support of those organs. There are three main types of prolapse, which can involve the uterus, the bladder, or the rectum. 

• Uterine prolapse: the uterus drops into the vagina 
• Anterior (“front”) vagina wall prolapse: the bladder drops onto the front wall of the vagina
• Posterior (“back”) vagina wall prolapse: the rectum drops onto the back wall of the vagina

 There are 4 different grades of prolapse, and one-third of women experience a prolapse that goes to the level of the vagina and beyond.

How did I know if I have a prolapse? Some common symptoms of prolapse are:

• Pelvic pressure 
• Lower backaches
• The feeling of a vaginal bulge
• Vaginal discharge 
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Infections
• Needing to use your hand to assist with bowel motions 
• Any obstruction of the passing of urine/bowel movements

What can I do about it?

There are so many options to assist with preventing your prolapse from getting worse and supporting your pelvic organs. These can include:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Addressing lifestyle factors to reduce the strain on your pelvic organs/pelvic floor
• Fitting a pessary: a non-invasive device for your pelvic organs can be fitted to help support your pelvic organs.

Can I exercise with a prolapse?

Of course, you can! Just because you have a prolapse, it doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise. However, having a prolapse might mean that you need to better understand what kinds of exercises are appropriate for you.

Who can I see to know if I do have a prolapse?

An assessment by one of our women’s health physios will help you to understand how to manage your prolapse. They will help you understand all facets of your life that may be affecting your prolapse, as well as giving you treatment and management options as to how best manage your prolapse. They will also be able to guide you with how to exercise with your prolapse, and do what you love.

Check out our Women’s Health Page to learn more about women’s health physiotherapy and our team! We look forward to helping you.

As always feel free to message us on the drift chat box, email or book in online at 1 of our 3 locations in Sydney;