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.