Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects many individuals, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, or are in the later stages of life. Understanding the causes of POP and how physical therapy can provide relief is an essential step toward improving quality of life.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—protrude into the vaginal canal or rectum due to weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support these organs, and when they become weakened, damaged, or lose their elasticity, it can lead to prolapse.
There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse depending on which organ is affected:
Cystocele: When the bladder drops into the vaginal wall.
Rectocele: When the rectum pushes into the vaginal wall.
Uterine prolapse: When the uterus descends into the vaginal canal.
Enterocele: When the small intestine bulges into the vagina.
While pelvic organ prolapse can occur due to a variety of factors, it is commonly seen after childbirth, especially with vaginal deliveries. Other risk factors include aging, obesity, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, or any activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure over time.
How Does Pelvic Organ Prolapse Happen?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse usually results from a combination of factors that weaken the pelvic floor muscles. The most common causes include:
Pregnancy and childbirth: Vaginal delivery, especially when prolonged or complicated, can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, the weight of the baby and the pressure on the pelvic organs during pregnancy can contribute to prolapse.
Aging: As individuals age, the connective tissue and muscles in the pelvic floor naturally lose strength and elasticity. Hormonal changes during menopause can also reduce the resilience of these tissues, increasing the risk of prolapse.
Obesity: Excess weight places increased pressure on the pelvic floor, which can contribute to prolapse.
Chronic conditions: Conditions that involve frequent straining, such as chronic constipation or heavy lifting, can weaken the pelvic floor over time.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as pelvic pressure, a feeling of heaviness, urinary incontinence, constipation, or even a visible bulge at the vaginal opening. These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life and well-being.
How Physical Therapy Helps with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Physical therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive approach to managing pelvic organ prolapse and alleviating its symptoms. Through targeted exercises and personalized treatment plans, pelvic health physical therapists work to strengthen and restore the pelvic floor muscles, which provide support to the pelvic organs.
By improving the function and endurance of these muscles, physical therapy helps reduce the downward pressure caused by prolapse, which can lead to a decrease in the sensation of heaviness or bulging. Therapists also focus on improving posture and body mechanics, as proper alignment can help redistribute pressure away from the pelvic area and minimize strain. In addition to strengthening exercises, breathing techniques are often incorporated into treatment to optimize intra-abdominal pressure control and enhance pelvic floor relaxation.
A key component of pelvic health therapy is education—patients learn how to avoid activities that can worsen prolapse, while also gaining insight into lifestyle changes that support long-term pelvic health. Throughout the process, therapists provide compassionate, supportive care, empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery and improve their quality of life. With the guidance of a trained professional, individuals with pelvic organ prolapse can regain control, feel more comfortable in their bodies, and experience lasting relief.