Prolapse and

Pessary fittings

Prolapse and Pessary fittings

A prolapse sounds scary but is very common after childbirth and during menopause but can be managed to reduce your symptoms and allow you to lead an active life.


What is prolapse?

A prolapse means the “dropping down” of your pelvic organs  - your bladder, bowel or uterus, this can occur as a result of the increased load during pregnancy, increased weight gain, repetitive heavy lifting or chronic cough or straining with constipation or the effects of ageing.

Signs and symptoms?

  • Do you ever feel heavy, bulgy or achy in the vagina or vulval area?
  • Do you feel pressure in the vagina like a grape, ping pong ball, egg or tennis ball
  • Do you feel like something is going to fall out of your vagina?
  • Can you feel a sense of rectal fullness at the bottom rather than further up?
  • Do you experience leakage after you stand up after emptying your bladder?
  • Do you experience a new feeling of heaviness or ache just before your period or with ovulation?
  • Don't stress any further - we can diagnose and advise on the management of your symptoms


Common causes of prolapse?

  • Chronic straining of the area due to constipation / heavy lifting or coughing
  • Stretching during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Multiple pregnancies and higher birth weight pregnancies
  • High body weight and aging



How can we help?


Physiotherapy help for prolapse?

We offer individualized assessment and treatment plans, based on your symptoms, severity of prolapse and goals. Treatment may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle training
  • Advice on healthy bladder and bowel habits
  • A Pessary fitting (a soft silicone device that fits into your vagina to support your pelvic organs, just like an ankle or knee brace for ligament injury to your leg)
  • Education and advice on an exercise program that respects your prolapse but still achieves your fitness levels and goals 
  • Support and encouragement that you can continue to live a full life with a prolapse

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