Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when the tissue & muscles in the pelvic floor become weakened or damaged and can no longer support the pelvic organs causing one or more of these organs to descend from their normal position and create a bulge in the vagina (prolapse). 

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What are the different types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

The different types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse are Cystocele (prolapse of the bladder into the vagina), Urethrocele (prolapse of the urethra), Uterine prolapse, Vagina vault prolapse (prolapse of the vagina), Enterocele (small bowel prolapse), and Rectocele (prolapse of the rectum). 

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What are the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Those who suffer from Pelvic Organ Prolapse often describe a feeling of heaviness in their lower tummy and genital region as well as the feeling that their organs are "falling out." Other common symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse include a dragging feeling inside the vagina, feeling or seeing a bulge in or coming out of the vagina, discomfort during intercourse, and difficulty urinating (stress incontinence, frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder). Pelvic Organ Prolapse can also cause lower back and pelvic pain and constipation. 

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Who is affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Anyone can suffer from Pelvic Organ Prolapse, however, your risk of developing this condition is more significant if you are a woman or were assigned female at birth. It is estimated that 50% of women suffer from Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Men and people assigned male at birth can also experience Pelvic Organ Prolapse as well which would result in a dropped bladder or rectum. 

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What causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be caused by a multitude of reasons including but not limited to vaginal childbirth, aging, weight, chronic constipation, family history or genetics, connective tissue, or collagen irregularities. 

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How can pelvic floor physical therapy help me? 

Pelvic floor physical therapy can play a powerful role in improving and sometimes reversing the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), especially in the early to moderate stages. Through individualized pelvic floor exercises, pressure management, and manual therapy, our pelvic floor therapists can help retrain these muscles to lift and better support the pelvic organs. The focus is not only on strengthening but also on improving coordination—learning when to contract and relax the muscles properly is essential for maintaining support during daily activities. With consistent pelvic floor physical therapy, many individuals experience reduced sensations of pressure or bulging, improved bladder and bowel control, and greater confidence in movement. For some, especially those with mild to moderate prolapse, therapy can even result in a measurable improvement in pelvic organ support and overall quality of life.​​​