What is Prolapse?

Lots of women suffer in silence with a prolapse. We encourage you to seek treatment, as there is lots that can be done to help. We check for prolapse in the Mummy MOT, or you can book in a pelvic floor healthcheck or Physiotherapy initial assessment.

What is prolapse?

Prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs bulge into the vagina wall. Your vagina wall is made up of fascia - connective tissue that may stretch, most commonly when you give birth. If you then have pressure around your pelvic floor, abdomen or thorax, this can push down onto the fascia and result in a prolapse of one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus or bowel). Prolapse is quite common in women who have given birth, but it can happen to all women.

How do I know if I have a prolapse?

You may know that this has happened because you can feel a vaginal heaviness, bulge, or a “ball” and it’s bothering you. You may have trouble fully emptying your bladder or bowels. Or you may just feel like something is not right and you want to get it checked out.

Different kinds of prolapse

  • Cystocele : This is the bulging of the bladder into the vagina

  • Rectocele: This is bulging of the bowel into the back wall of the vagina

  • Uterine: This is bulging/descent of the uterus into the vagina

How do we treat it?

We treat prolapse with a combination of tried-and-trusted methods that relieve pressure, lengthen and strengthen muscles, and optimise organ function:

  • Physiotherapy - treatment to improve alignment and movement and rehabilitation to strengthen and manage pressure

  • Pelvic floor release and scar tissue release to optimise the pelvic floor’s ability to lengthen, contract and function

  • Visceral manipulation - to optimise mobility allowing the organs to slide and glide with the movement of the pelvic floor and diaphragm, therefore allowing optimal pelvic floor function

  • Manage bowel health to minimise pelvic congestion and down pressure through constipation/straining when emptying your bowels

  • Optimise pressure management in the pelvis, abdomen and thorax so they’re balanced and not causing a downward pressure