Gynaecological conditions
1 in 10 women may need intervention for pelvic organ prolapse.
Australian commission on the safety and quality in health care.
Prolapse is most often associated with heaviness or bulging sensations in the vagina. It is not just common in older women but may be noticeable soon after childbirth.
Prolapse can effect bladder and bowel function and interfere with quality of life and activity. Several risk factors have been identified such as genetic/family history, obesity, chronic cough, prolonged high impact activity and childbirth.
In Australia, there is now a very useful guide to help you understand your treatment options.
Physiotherapy can assess your individual risk factors of prolapse, improve the support structures in the pelvis with a combination of muscle training and support devices, and help to modify your activity so you can remain healthy and active without symptoms.
Physiotherapists are also a very useful person to have in your care team if you are considering surgery. Pelvic floor training and a guided recovery are important to improve the long-term success following surgery.