A pelvic organ prolapse is a bulging of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, bowel, rectum or uterus downward into the vagina. The pelvic floor muscles provide support to the pelvic organs, and control the bladder and bowel to prevent incontinence. If either the pelvic floor muscles or the supporting structures weaken, the pelvic organs can bulge into the vagina in what is known as a prolapse.
There are a number of different types of prolapse and accompanying symptoms, distinguished by which pelvic organ has moved. They can be mild causing very little to no discomfort, or it can be severe causing many problems and affecting your overall quality of life. The most common type of prolapse is the front vaginal wall prolapse. This occurs when the wall supporting the bladder bulges downward into the vagina. However there are different types of prolapse that can occur. The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are:
Physiotherapy can help reduce the symptoms caused by pelvic organ prolapse and help improve your pelvic floor support. Treatment is often focused around strengthening pelvic floor muscles through pelvic floor exercises. This will help improve bladder and bowel control and can be very beneficial for treating and preventing future problems. In other cases, the pelvic floor muscles can be too tight, in which case muscle relaxation exercises will be prescribed. Muscles take time to become strong so you will need to persevere with your home exercise programme. In addition, your chartered physiotherapist can advise you on habits for keeping your bladder healthy. This will include tips on keeping hydrated and eating enough fibre to avoid constipation.
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, our clinic director Aileen Maguire specialises in treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, and accompanying bladder and bowel conditions. If you have any questions regarding prolapse and symptoms, or wish to have an assessment, please get in contact with us here.