What is the first treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?

Prolapse happens when pelvic organs press into or through the vaginal walls because the supporting tissues and muscles have weakened. Physiotherapy can teach targeted pelvic floor contractions, breathing and movement habits that support the pelvic floor and may reduce pressure or bulging symptoms. The plan depends on the type of prolapse, its severity, your symptoms and your goals.

A pelvic floor physiotherapist assesses how you contract and relax the muscles, then gives an individual exercise plan. Avoiding constipation, treating a persistent cough and using safer lifting technique can reduce strain. A vaginal pessary is a removable support placed in the vagina when symptoms need mechanical support or exercises are not enough. Specialist options include Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery and Sacrocolpopexy.

Arrange an assessment if you notice a vaginal bulge, pelvic heaviness, difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, or discomfort during sex. Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a prolapse that becomes very swollen, dark or difficult to push back.

Ask which pelvic floor muscles need training, whether a pessary could help, how constipation or coughing may affect symptoms, and what changes would make surgery worth discussing.