Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the support mechanism of organs in the pelvis start to fail and the literally start to slip out of place and fall down.  This usually occurs do to overstretching of the supportive structures such as the pelvic floor muscles and tissues become weak or overstretched.   The bladder, urethra, uterus and rectum are the organs most commonly involved. A prolapse typically occurs from overstraining (ie.e childbirth,  chronic constipation) or pelvic surgery (i.e. hysterectomy)  due to loss of organ support.  

Common symptoms:

-vaginal, rectal pressure/ heaviness

-feeling of something foreign  in the vagina/rectum

-feeling of something falling out of the vagina/ rectum

- incomplete emptying of bowels/ constipation

-urinary incontinence 

- groin stretch/pain, lower back and sacral pain/pressure

- painful sex

 Treatment

Surgery can be indicated if the the prolapse is severe enough.  However conservative treatment can include physical therapy to help increase strength of the pelvic floor and pelvis to reduce pressure/pain.