It is estimated that 1 in 3 women have pelvic organ prolapse.
Prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs moves downward from its normal position and bulges into the vaginal walls. This could be the bladder, bowel, rectum, uterus or top of the vagina.
Although it is not life threatening, prolapse can have a huge impact on your physical and mental well-being and stop you doing the things you love.
The most common symptoms of prolapse are a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the pelvic area or vaginally or sometimes causes difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels.
Prolapse is caused by weakness or lengthening of the pelvic floor muscles whose job it is to support the pelvic organs.
Factors that can contribute to the weakening and lengthening of these muscles are:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Ageing and menopause
- Being over-weight
- Long-term heavy lifting or straining to open the bowels
Pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as the first line of treatment for mild to moderate prolapse by The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), which uses research and evidence to guide professionals on treatment.
It is so important to get prolapse symptoms checked by your GP and then seek pelvic health physiotherapy for guidance on pelvic floor exercises as early as possible. Do not wait for your symptoms to get worse.
To book your pelvic floor assessment with Imogen, click on the link below.
