1. Cystocele
3. Rectocele
2. Urethrocele
4. Uterine Prolapse
5. Enterocele
Descent of the small intestine at the top of the vagina.
Descent of the uterus down into the vaginal canal.
Descent of the rectum causing a bulge in the posterior wall of the vagina.
Descent of the urethra into the anterior wall of the vagina or out of the urethral opening that often accompanies a cystocele.
Descent of the bladder causing a bulge in the anterior wall of the vagina.
Types of prolapse
How can PT help?
There are a lot of different treatable factors that can contribute to prolapse symptoms including tension or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, poor pressure management, muscle imbalances in the core, pelvis and hips, scar tissue, fascial tension, dysfunctional breathing patterns, maladaptive lifestyle habits, postural deviations, and central nervous system dysfunction. It's important to identify what factors are contributing to your symptoms in order to effectively address and manage them, and avoid "one-size fits all" approaches that can delay recovery and even make the prolapse worse.
If surgery is indicated, it's essential to prehab prior to the procedure and rehab post-op to optimize your outcome. Too often, women go into surgery not addressing the dysfunctions contributing to their prolapse symptoms, resulting in poor outcomes or even worse symptoms. Prolapse surgery itself is a risk factor for prolapse, with a high failure rate (but varies based on type of prolapse surgery), so be sure to seek out PT to help give you the best chance for a successful outcome!
Can i prevent prolapse?
You can absolutely decrease your risk of developing prolapse. While some risk factors like age, genetics, mode of delivery, and pelvic surgery are out of our hands, there are so many factors that we CAN control wherever you are in your journey. This includes learning about proper breathing mechanics and pressure management techniques, improving the function of supportive structures through strengthening, release work, and mobility exercises, and learning about protective labor prep and pushing techniques. Following an individualized postpartum treatment plan can help decrease your risk, grade (severity) of prolapse, and improve your ability to effectively manage your symptoms and quality of life.
Prolapse does not need to be a scary word or prevent you from living fully! Reach out today to schedule a comprehensive assessment and start on your path to recovery. You are not alone in this journey!
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs descend from their normal position and press down on the vaginal canal creating a bulge. This occurs due to the loss or weakening of supportive structures surrounding the organs such as muscle, fascia, and ligaments. Common symptoms can include heaviness, bulging of tissue, pressure, vaginal irritation, pain, leaking, and constipation. Symptoms are often worse at the end of the day or with prolonged standing and improve when lying down.
Prolapse is much more common than most people realize, with studies suggesting up to 60-90% prevalence in the postpartum population and up to 65% in the general population (Brown et al, IUC, 2022). Due to this high prevalence and a large proportion of these women being asymptomatic, there is a current push from the IUC (International Urogynecology Consultation) and pelvic floor PT world to redefine what is considered "normal". While this is still an emerging field and there is a lot more research that needs to be done, if you've been diagnosed with a prolapse or experience any symptoms, you are not alone!
