Breaking the Silence on Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Hey ladies… Do you ever feel an uncomfortable pressure or heaviness in your vaginal or rectal area? Maybe it seems like something is “out of place” or looks different “down there.” Some women even notice a bulge or tissue protruding when they go to the bathroom—leaving them wondering, “Wait, was this here before?”
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Feelings of embarrassment, fear, and frustration are common among women who experience prolapse symptoms. Unfortunately, many don’t get clear answers from their providers and are left worrying about what’s happening to their body.
At Revive PT & Pilates in Encinitas, I hear these concerns from women every week. The good news? Prolapse is treatable, and surgery is not always the only option.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pregnancy, childbirth, or other factors weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues, causing one or more organs—such as the uterus, bladder, or bowel—to drop or bulge into the vaginal canal.
This can happen:
Shortly after childbirth
Years later, after repeated lifting, pushing, or straining
Or even during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal changes
Despite common misconceptions, prolapse doesn’t only affect older women. Many young moms experience symptoms soon after delivery, while others don’t notice issues until their 40s, 50s, or 60s.
Common Symptoms of Prolapse
If you’re experiencing prolapse, you might notice:
Pressure or heaviness in the vagina or rectum
A visible bulge or lump in or protruding from the vagina
Feeling of incomplete bladder or bowel emptying
Difficulty starting or finishing urination
Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
Needing to adjust body position to empty bladder or bowel
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the stage of prolapse.
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several different types, depending on which organ is affected:
Cystocele – Bladder prolapse
Urethrocele – Urethra prolapse
Urethrocystocele – Urethra and bladder
Uterine prolapse – Uterus
Rectocele – Rectum
Enterocele – Small intestine
Vaginal vault prolapse – Vagina
Rectal prolapse – Rectum
What Causes Prolapse?
Several factors can weaken the pelvic floor and increase the risk of prolapse:
Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
Chronic constipation and straining
Heavy lifting (manual labor, weight training, etc.)
Obesity or being overweight
Chronic coughing (asthma, bronchitis, smoking-related cough)
Menopause and hormonal changes
Lack of pelvic floor strength or rehabilitation postpartum
Stages of Prolapse
Doctors typically categorize uterine prolapse into four stages:
Stage 1 – The uterus has dropped into the upper vagina
Stage 2 – The uterus is near the vaginal opening
Stage 3 – The uterus is protruding outside the vaginal opening
Stage 4 – The uterus is entirely outside the vagina
Understanding your stage can help guide treatment decisions.
Do You Always Need Surgery?
No! While some severe cases may require surgical intervention, many women can significantly reduce symptoms and avoid surgery through pelvic floor physical therapy.
Some women mistake prolapse for a weak pelvic floor. A dragging or heavy feeling in the vagina often improves as your pelvic floor muscles get stronger. With the right therapy, you can regain control, minimize symptoms, and return to an active lifestyle you may have thought was impossible.
At Revive PT & Pilates, we specialize in helping women restore pelvic health with customized treatment plans that include:
Gentle, targeted pelvic floor strengthening
Hands-on therapy to support alignment and healing
Education on safe movement and exercise modifications
Long-term strategies to prevent recurrence
When Should You See a Pelvic Floor PT?
Many OB/GYNs don’t routinely check for prolapse unless you ask—and pelvic floor physical therapy often isn’t mentioned as a treatment option. But now that you know, you can advocate for yourself.
If you’re experiencing heaviness, bulging, or bladder/bowel changes, consult a pelvic floor PT as soon as possible. Early treatment can stop symptoms from worsening and, in many cases, help you avoid surgery altogether.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with prolapse symptoms, don’t wait and hope it goes away on its own. At Revive PT & Pilates in Encinitas, we help women just like you regain confidence, strength, and freedom—without relying on surgery or medications.
👉 Book your free Discovery Call today to talk with a Women’s Health Specialist about your symptoms and learn how pelvic floor therapy can help. You can also choose an in-person Discovery Visit at our studio to meet your PT and ask questions face-to-face.
