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Understanding Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Auria Pelvic Health

Updated: Aug 15, 2024

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition often shrouded in silence, leaving many feeling confused, ashamed, or embarrassed. It occurs when pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, vagina, small intestines, or rectum shift from their usual positions. While the organs themselves rarely protrude outside the body, the displacement can cause vaginal tissue to be visible due to the pelvic organ shift.


woman wearing grey and white holding her belly with a red light indicating she is in pain

Supporting these organs are a complex network of fascia and connective tissues within the pelvic floor muscles. When these supportive structures weaken or stretch, the pelvic organs lose their natural support, leading to prolapse.


While POP may sound alarming, it's more common than you think. It affects a significant number of women globally, with statistics showing it impacts 1 in 4 women in their 40s and 1 in 3 in their 60s. By the time women reach their 80s, half of them may experience POP.


 

Types of POP

There are different types of prolapse, each named based on the specific organ involved.


  • Cystocele: where the bladder protrudes into the vagina, creating a bulge.

  • Rectocele: when the rectum pushes up against the back wall of the vagina.

  • Uterine prolapse: when the uterus descends into the vagina.

  • Enterocele: where the small intestine bulges into the vagina.


The severity of POP is classified on a scale from 0 to 4, with stage 4 being the most severe, guiding treatment recommendations accordingly.

diagram of the pelvic floor with the bladder, uterus, urethra, vagina and rectum, indicating what happens during pelvic organ prolapse.

*The image above shows a normal pelvic floor (left) versus a pelvic floor with a cystocele (right).


Causes and Symptoms

Causes of POP are often rooted in habits or conditions that gradually weaken pelvic floor support over a lifetime. These include heavy lifting, chronic constipation, surgeries such as hysterectomies, pregnancy, giving birth, and even persistent coughing from lung conditions.


Common symptoms can include pelvic pain or pressure, constipation, painful intercourse, back pain, and urinary issues like leakage or incomplete bladder emptying.


 

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy, also known as pelvic floor physical therapy, plays a crucial role in managing and improving symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.


Here are some benefits of pelvic floor therapy:


  1. Strengthening Supportive Muscles: Pelvic floor exercises taught in therapy can strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening of prolapse.

  2. Improving Muscle Coordination: Therapists can teach techniques to improve the coordination and function of pelvic floor muscles, aiding in better control of bladder and bowel function.

  3. Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Therapists provide education on lifestyle changes such as proper lifting techniques and dietary adjustments to reduce strain on the pelvic floor and minimize symptoms.

  4. Customized Treatment Plans: Therapy sessions are tailored to the individual's specific type and severity of prolapse, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.

  5. Enhancing Quality of Life: By addressing symptoms like pain, discomfort, and urinary issues, pelvic floor therapy can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with POP.


Understanding and openly discussing POP is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment and support, including the benefits of pelvic floor therapy. With the right guidance and therapy, individuals affected by this common condition can effectively manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being.


Contact us today to see if pelvic floor therapy is right for you.




Authors: Dr. Sasha Speer, DPT, Pelvic Health Specialist & Summer Luong, OTR/L, Pelvic Health Specialist



213-699-3996

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste 412, Los Angeles, CA 90045



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