Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Pelvic organ prolapse is more common following a vaginal child birth (it may present soon after delivery or years later) and in people who have issues with connective tissue quality. People with chronic coughs, regular heavy lifting or persistent vomiting are also at higher risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

Prolapse may affect one pelvic organ alone, or multiple compartments. The severity of the prolapse can also vary, as well as how much it bothers the person.

To assess for pelvic organ prolapse, we conduct a vaginal internal examination that looks at both the resting position of the pelvic organs, as well as what happens to them when the pressure in the abdomen is increased. Typically we would assess this in lying as well as in standing as the pelvic organs may look ok in lying but move significantly when they are under the load of gravity in standing (which is where we live a lot of our life!). We will also assess whether any identified pelvic organ prolapse is affected by the use of your pelvic floor muscles. In some people, pelvic floor muscle use may significantly support the pelvic organ prolapse, whilst in others the pelvic floor may have no or limited ability to support the prolapse. This depends on where the defect is that has contributed to the prolapse, the anatomy of your pelvic floor, and the interaction between your pelvic floor function and pressure control within your abdomen.

If pelvic floor muscle function alone is not adequate to support your prolapse, then you may consider using a pessary. A pessary is a soft, silicone medical device that is inserted into the vagina to support the prolapsing pelvic organ or organs.

If you are concerned that you may have pelvic organ prolapse, our experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinicians are here to help. Contact us today to get the right advice and treatment so that you can live life to the full.