Have you ever felt a heaviness or bulge in your vaginal area, especially after standing for a long time or lifting something heavy? You may be experiencing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) — a condition that happens when the organs in your pelvis (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop or press against the vaginal wall.
It can feel scary or uncomfortable, but the good news is: you are not alone, and you can get better without surgery.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that support your pelvic organs become stretched or weakened — often due to childbirth, aging, heavy lifting, or hormonal changes during menopause.
Organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum can slip down and bulge into the vaginal wall. You might feel:
- A feeling of “heaviness” or “falling out”
- A visible bulge near the vaginal opening
- Pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels
- Pain or decreased sensation during intimacy
How Common Is It?
POP is more common than people realize. According to large studies, up to 50% of women who have given birth vaginally will experience some form of prolapse, though not all feel symptoms (Hagen & Stark, 2011).
Do I Need Surgery Right Away?
Not at all. In fact, pelvic floor physiotherapy is now the first-line treatment for mild to moderate prolapse.
A high-quality randomized controlled trial (Hagen et al., 2014) found that women who did 12 weeks of pelvic floor exercises had significantly improved symptoms and reduced prolapse severity.
What Does Physiotherapy Involve?
As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I guide women through a personalized, evidence-based plan that includes:
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to strengthen internal support structures
- Education about safe lifting, posture, and breathing techniques
- Bladder and bowel management strategies
- Supportive devices like pessaries (if referred by a doctor)
- Guidance on returning to exercise safely
How Long Before I See Results?
Many women begin to notice improvement in symptoms like heaviness, pressure, and urinary leakage within 6–12 weeks, especially when exercises are done consistently.
You Are Not Broken — You Just Need Support
Pelvic organ prolapse is a physical condition — not a failure. With the right exercises, education, and support, your body has the power to heal and adapt.
Takeaway
Pelvic organ prolapse is common — but treatable. With guidance from a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist, you can feel stronger, more confident, and regain control of your daily life — naturally and without surgery.
References
Hagen, S., Stark, D. (2011). Conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse in women: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 118(8), 868–878. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02955.x
Hagen, S., Stark, D., Glazener, C. M., Dickson, S., Barry, S. J., & Logan, J. (2014). Individualised pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POPPY): A multicentre randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 383(9919), 796–806. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61977-7
