Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when weakened pelvic muscles allow organs—like the bladder, uterus, or rectum—to descend from their usual position, putting pressure on the vaginal wall. This shift isn’t a matter of organs “falling out” but rather pressing down due to a lack of pelvic floor support. Living with prolapse can make everyday activities, such as lifting or even walking, feel challenging. Multiple organs may be affected, often due to direct pressure or overall pelvic floor dysfunction, but pelvic floor therapy can bring relief and improve quality of life.

Symptoms of prolapse can vary greatly, and not everyone will experience all of them. But if any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to reach out to a pelvic floor specialist:​

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• A sense of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in your pelvis

• Noticing a bulge in the vaginal area

• Urinary leakage or bowel control issues

• Trouble with inserting tampons

• Discomfort or pressure during intercourse

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POP can develop gradually or arise more suddenly, and symptoms can worsen over time.

For many women, prolapse can develop due to a variety of factors:

• Childbirth: Strain on pelvic floor muscles during delivery.

• Aging: Natural loss of muscle tone and tissue strength.

• Menopause: Lowered estrogen levels contribute to weaker pelvic tissue.

• Heavy Lifting: Regular heavy lifting can increase pressure on the pelvic floor.

• Chronic Constipation: Repeated straining puts added stress on the pelvic organs.

• Genetics: Some women may be more predisposed to prolapse due to genetic factors.

Several approaches can help manage prolapse symptoms:

• Surgery: Typically a last resort, surgery may involve a longer recovery but can offer structural support.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding high-impact activities may relieve some symptoms. Pessary can also be a great tool to help protect your prolapse.

• Pelvic Floor Therapy:  A niche of physical therapy focused on figuring out the best way to protect your prolapse with pessary fitting, lifestyle  modifications, possible strengthening of pelvic floor muscles along with supporting structures.

POP is diagnosed by type and graded by severity, based on which organs are affected and how far descended towards the vaginal opening. Seeing a pelvic floor specialist is essential for an accurate diagnosis—catching it early can help you manage the condition with conservative treatment options before it progresses.

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Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP):

• Anterior Prolapse (Cystocele): Bladder bulges into the anterior vaginal wall, causing urinary symptoms like incontinence or difficulty emptying.

• Posterior Prolapse (Rectocele): Rectum pushes into the posterior vaginal wall, leading to bowel symptoms like incomplete evacuation or pelvic pressure.

• Uterine Prolapse: Uterus descends into the vaginal canal, often causing a feeling of heaviness or vaginal bulging.

• Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Post-hysterectomy descent of the vaginal top, resulting in pelvic discomfort, back pain, or sexual difficulties.

• Enterocele: Small intestine descends into the vaginal cavity, often with pressure, dragging sensations, or visible bulging.​

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Pelvic floor therapy addresses the root of prolapse by retraining the muscles that support the pelvic organs, helping to improve control, strength, and stability. This approach can reduce or even alleviate unwanted symptoms.

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Keep in mind that pelvic floor PT also is not an invasive, holistic approach that is tailored to your lifestyle hence giving women a better prognosis. Focusing on relief symptoms and returning to the activities you love, there is not better feeling of success!