Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
POP refers to descending of any of the pelvic organs due to stretching of the ligaments, muscles and fascia, which suspend these organs within the pelvis.
POP will affect approximately 1 in 5 Australian women during their lifetime. This is a scary statistic, and one that can be reduced by providing excellent TA and pelvic floor education to our patients.
SERVICES
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Parts of the body that can prolapse, include the following:
Bladder
Vagina
Uterus
Rectum
Small Bowel
As a result of prolapse, these organs may then sit lower within the pelvis, or in extreme cases, be pushed outside of the vaginal canal or anus. Common causes of prolapse may include pregnancy, labour and childbirth, obesity or overweight, chronic coughing or sneezing, constipation and heavy lifting involving a Valsalva Manoeuvre, with poor technique. POP may present in different ways, and can even go unnoticed. Common symptoms may include experiencing abnormal increased pressure within the pelvic region, back pain/ache, incontinence, constipation, painful intercourse and spotting or bleeding.
Severe cases will usually require surgery. However, pelvic floor rehabilitation, strengthening and clinical Pilates can help manage the condition, and prevent the prolapse from progressing and becoming worse.