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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs within the pelvis move down from their normal position and press into, or towards, the vagina.
It can happen when the muscles and supporting tissues of the pelvic floor become weakened or stretched. Pregnancy and childbirth are common contributing factors, but prolapse can also be associated with menopause, ageing, previous pelvic surgery, chronic constipation or repeated heavy lifting.
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some women may notice a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis, a vaginal bulge, bladder or bowel changes, or discomfort during everyday activities.
Pelvic organ prolapse is common and, depending on the type and severity, may often be managed using pelvic-floor rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, support devices or other treatments recommended by a healthcare professional.
Explore the sections below to learn more about symptoms, causes and management options.
Understanding Prolapse
Learn what pelvic organ prolapse is, why it occurs and the different ways it can affect the bladder, bowel and vaginal tissues.
Symptoms of Prolapse
Common symptoms can include pelvic pressure, heaviness, a vaginal bulge, bladder leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, and discomfort during activity.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Pelvic-floor exercises may help improve muscular support and can form part of conservative management for mild or moderate prolapse.
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Understand how pregnancy and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor and how rehabilitation may support recovery. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can place significant strain on the pelvic floor and are common factors in the development of prolapse.
Menopause & Pelvic Health
Hormonal changes during and after menopause can affect pelvic tissues and may contribute to reduced pelvic support.
Treatment & Support
Management may include pelvic-floor physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, pessary support or surgery, depending on symptoms and severity.
Not sure which section you need?
Pelvic-health symptoms can have several different causes. Our information is designed to help you understand the available options, but it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis. New, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
What Does Pelvic Organ Prolapse Feel Like?
Some women notice a feeling of heaviness, dragging or pressure in the pelvis. Others may feel or see a bulge at the vaginal opening, experience bladder leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or notice discomfort during exercise or sexual activity.
Symptoms may become more noticeable after standing for long periods, lifting or physical activity.
Why Does Prolapse Happen?
When these supporting structures become weakened or stretched, one or more pelvic organs can descend from their normal position.
Pregnancy and childbirth are important risk factors, but ageing, menopause, constipation, chronic coughing, previous surgery and repeated heavy lifting may also contribute.
Pelvic Floor Exercises & Rehabilitation
Correctly performed exercises may help improve pelvic support, bladder and bowel control and confidence during everyday activity.
A physiotherapist specialising in pelvic health can also help assess pelvic-floor strength and ensure exercises are being performed correctly.
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Recovery
Stretching or weakening of the pelvic-floor muscles and supporting tissues can sometimes contribute to prolapse either soon after childbirth or many years later.
Pelvic-floor rehabilitation after pregnancy may help restore strength and support.
Menopause & Prolapse
Reduced tissue strength and elasticity may make prolapse symptoms more noticeable, particularly when combined with previous childbirth or pelvic-floor weakness.
Treatment & Support Options
Not every prolapse requires surgery. Treatment depends on the type of prolapse, its severity and how much it affects everyday life.
Options may include pelvic-floor physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, pessary support and, in some cases, surgical treatment.
An appropriate healthcare professional can help determine the most suitable approach.
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse can involve different pelvic organs.
Bladder prolapse (cystocele)
The bladder presses into the front wall of the vagina.
Uterine prolapse
The uterus descends towards or into the vagina.
Rectal prolapse into the vagina (rectocele)
The rectum pushes against the back wall of the vagina.
Vaginal vault prolapse
The top of the vagina descends, usually following hysterectomy.
More than one type of prolapse can occur at the same time.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice?
If you notice a new vaginal bulge, persistent pelvic pressure, difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, unexplained bleeding or worsening symptoms, it is important to speak to an appropriate healthcare professional.
A pelvic examination can usually confirm whether prolapse is present and help determine its type and severity.
Products to Support Pelvic Health
Our pelvic-health products are designed to support pelvic-floor rehabilitation, bladder control and everyday comfort.
