As a physiotherapist specialising in women’s health, I’ve worked with many women who are dealing with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It’s a condition that can be life-altering, but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood or hidden behind a wall of silence.
Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) slip out of their usual position due to weakened or stretched muscles and tissues. While the physical symptoms can range from mild to severe, the emotional and practical challenges women face often go far deeper.
In this post, I want to shed light on the real-life struggles women experience with prolapse, based on my work with patients. I’ve changed all names to protect their privacy, but the stories reflect very real challenges that I hear about every day.
10 Real-Life Challenges of Living with Prolapse
1. Feeling Constant Pelvic Pressure
A common symptom my patients describe is a heavy or dragging sensation in the pelvis.
• Sarah, a 42-year-old teacher, told me how, by the end of her school day, it feels like “a bowling ball pressing down” inside her pelvis. Even standing for long periods has become exhausting, and she often has to sit down to relieve the pressure.
2. Struggling with Bowel Movements
Constipation and difficulty emptying the bowels are incredibly common in women with rectocele (rectal prolapse).
• Jessica, a 38-year-old mum, shared how she has to use her fingers to support her vaginal wall during bowel movements, a technique known as splinting. She finds it not only uncomfortable but also deeply embarrassing.
3. Dealing with Urinary Problems
Bladder issues like incontinence and retention are often part of living with prolapse.
• Maria, a 50-year-old nurse, experiences leakage every time she coughs or lifts heavy objects. At the same time, she often feels like she hasn’t completely emptied her bladder, leading to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
4. Painful Intimacy
Pain during intercourse is a symptom that many women feel unable to talk about, but it’s a reality for many living with prolapse.
• Emily, a 45-year-old married woman, told me how intimacy has become painful and uncomfortable. She now avoids it altogether, which has put a strain on her relationship and left her feeling isolated.
5. Seeing or Feeling a Bulge
For many women, prolapse causes a visible or palpable bulge in the vaginal area, which can be distressing.
• Helen, a 60-year-old retiree, first noticed the bulge while bathing. She’s since avoided wearing swimsuits or tight-fitting clothes, and she feels too embarrassed to talk about it with her friends or family.
6. Giving Up on Physical Activities
High-impact activities can worsen prolapse symptoms, forcing women to give up hobbies they love.
• Anika, a 35-year-old runner, had to stop running because her symptoms became unbearable. She now avoids exercise altogether and feels like she’s lost an important part of her identity.
7. Disrupted Sleep
Prolapse symptoms, like bladder urgency or discomfort, can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
• Linda, a 55-year-old grandmother, wakes up several times a night to urinate, leaving her exhausted and irritable during the day.
8. Emotional Impact and Shame
Prolapse can cause women to feel ashamed or isolated, as though they’re the only ones experiencing it.
• Priya, a 40-year-old professional, avoids social events because she’s worried her symptoms might become noticeable. She often feels alone and unsupported, which has taken a toll on her emotional wellbeing.
9. Struggling with Parenting
For mums, prolapse can make everyday parenting tasks like lifting children or playing physically difficult.
• Laura, a 37-year-old mum, shared how guilty she feels because she struggles to lift her toddler without pain. She worries that her condition is stopping her from fully enjoying her time with her children.
10. Difficulty Finding Support
Many women tell me that it’s taken them years to get a diagnosis or find someone who takes their symptoms seriously.
• Grace, a 48-year-old accountant, said she visited several doctors before finally being diagnosed. She was repeatedly told her symptoms were “just part of getting older,” leaving her feeling dismissed and frustrated.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
If you’re experiencing prolapse, I want you to know that there are effective, non-invasive treatments that can help. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I offer personalised care tailored to your specific needs. Here are some of the ways I can help:
1. Pelvic Floor Strengthening
Through guided exercises, I can help you rebuild strength and support in your pelvic floor muscles. This can ease symptoms like pressure and incontinence, giving you more confidence in your body.
2. Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques
For some women, prolapse symptoms are linked to overactivity or tension in the pelvic floor. I’ll teach you techniques to help release and relax your pelvic floor muscles, reducing discomfort and pain.
3. Breathwork for Symptom Management
Breathing plays a crucial role in managing prolapse. By learning proper diaphragmatic breathing, you can reduce pressure on your pelvic organs and support pelvic floor relaxation.
4. Pessary Fitting
For some women, a vaginal pessary can provide immediate relief from prolapse symptoms. I offer pessary fittings to help support your pelvic organs, allowing you to feel more comfortable during everyday activities.
5. Lifestyle Advice and Activity Modifications
I’ll help you identify any triggers that worsen your symptoms and suggest practical changes to make your day-to-day life easier. From lifting techniques to posture adjustments, small changes can make a big difference.
You’re Not Alone
Pelvic organ prolapse is far more common than many people realise, but it’s a condition that’s rarely talked about. If you’re struggling, I want you to know that support is available, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Physiotherapy can be a life-changing step towards managing your symptoms, regaining confidence, and improving your quality of life.
Get in Touch
If you’re experiencing prolapse symptoms, I’d love to help. Contact me today to book a consultation, and let’s work together to create a personalised treatment plan that works for you.
Always here for you.
Jen.
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