Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Prolapse. Your girlfriends or moms almost never talk about this- but it's very common. Up to half of women who have given birth, and 30% of all women may develop prolapse in her life. This means millions of women are quietly living with symptoms or opting for surgery when there are great conservative options with pelvic floor physical therapy. Prolapse is the descent of one or more of the front or back of your vaginal wall, the vaginal valt or uterus.
Symptoms of Prolapse
Cystocele (Bladder) or Urethrocele (Urethra):
- Poor or prolonged urinary stream, straining when voiding
- Feeling like your bladder isn't empty
- Moving around on the toilet to to start or complete emptying
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Dribbling after urinating when standing up from the toilet
- Urinary retention or repeated UTIs
Rectocele (Rectum):
- Vaginal pressure/heaviness/discomfort that worsens as the day goes on
- A bulge from the back of the vaginal wall which may protrude out the vagina
- Difficulty with bowel movements, requiring splinting- use of fingers to stabilize the perineal muscles
Enterocele:
- Pelvic or vaginal pressure
- Difficulty with bowel movements or emptying the bladder
- Low back pain that worsens throughout the day, relieved with lying down
Uterine Prolapse:
- Blood staining discharge
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder emptying
- Low back pain/discomfort that worsens as the day goes on
- Increasing discomfort with prolonged standing, relieved with lying down
Vaginal Vault Prolapse:
- Pelvic or vaginal pressure
- Difficulty emptying bowels or bladder
- Low back pain/discomfort that worsens as the day goes on
- Increasing discomfort with prolonged standing, relieved with lying down
Lady Bits Treatment
Your therapist will provide you with education about lifestyle, movement mechanics, posture, breathing, and exercises designed to relieve your symptoms and avoid surgery.