Overcome pelvic organ prolapse with Papaya Clinic
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition experienced by many women at varying life stages, where the pelvic organs drop from their normal position and press against the vaginal walls. This can be uncomfortable and impact day-to-day activities. At Papaya Clinic, we provide compassionate care to help manage and treat this condition so that you can go back to getting the most out of life with minimal symptoms.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs – such as the bladder, uterus and rectum – become weakened or stretched. This can result in one or more of these organs descending into the vaginal canal. The severity of pelvic organ prolapse is classified in stages from mild to severe, depending on how far the organ has descended. The pelvic organ prolapse stages are:
Grades 1 & 2 - There is great evidence that Grades 1 and 2 can be managed conservatively with pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Grades 3 & 4 - At stage 3 or 4, you might need a gynaecological review and sometimes surgery for optimal recovery.
Frequently asked questions about pelvic organ prolapse
-
There are several types of female pelvic organ prolapse, depending on the organ involved. These are:
Anterior Wall Prolapse (Cystocele)
This occurs when the bladder drops into the vaginal canal.
Posterior Prolapse (Rectocele)
This happens when the rectum pushes into the vaginal canal.
Uterine Prolapse
This involves the uterus descending into the vaginal canal.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse
This can occur in women who have had a hysterectomy, where the top of the vagina drops.
-
Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse that can contribute to the condition developing include:
Vaginal birth, instrumental deliveries, prolonged second-stage delivery
Ageing and menopause, lengthening in the pelvic floor muscles, and sensitivity of mucosa due to reduced oestrogen level
Heavy lifting or chronic coughing, which increases pressure on the pelvic floor
Genetic predisposition to weaker connective tissues
Weight gain and respiratory illness - asthma, chronic coughs, Sports or heavy Olympic lifting with accumulated weight over time
A pelvic floor assessment must be undertaken by a pelvic healthcare professional to determine the cause of the prolapse and the best treatment.
-
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause a variety of symptoms, including a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, a noticeable bulge in the vagina, discomfort or pain during deep penetrative intercourse, and difficulty with urination or bowel movements. Management of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms is possible with the right treatment. Diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse can be done by a pelvic health physiotherapist or other medical professional specialising in pelvic health.
-
You are not alone in facing pelvic organ prolapse; it affects as many as 40% of women, including more than half of women who have given birth. With a lifetime surgical risk of 10-20%, this common condition can significantly impact your quality of life. Despite costing the Australian healthcare system around $200 million each year, many women feel hesitant to seek help, with only one in five reaching out for support.
Sources
We take a comprehensive and personalised approach to your care, and will collaborate with our naturopaths if appropriate for your condition.
Pelvic organ prolapse treatment options at Papaya Clinic
At Papaya Clinic, we offer a range of treatments and lifestyle advice to help manage and improve pelvic organ prolapse. Our approach is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
Pelvic floor muscle training
Our pelvic floor physiotherapists provide specialised pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles and support the pelvic organs. Pelvic organ prolapse physiotherapy exercises can help reduce symptoms and prevent the prolapse from worsening.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy techniques, including massage and soft tissue mobilisation, can help improve blood flow and relieve discomfort in the pelvic area.
Exercise programs
Our tailored exercise programs focus on strengthening the core and pelvic muscles. These exercises improve overall pelvic health and stability.
Education & self-management
We empower our patients with the knowledge they need to manage their condition. This includes advice on posture, safe lifting techniques and lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes and stress management) to reduce symptoms.
Supportive devices
For some women, supportive devices like vaginal pessaries can provide relief. These devices help support the pelvic organs and reduce the sensation of heaviness or bulging.
Find the support you need for a pelvic organ prolapse at Papaya Clinic
Living with pelvic organ prolapse can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Papaya Clinic, our experienced team of Sydney pelvic health physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you manage your pelvic pain and improve your quality of life. Get in touch with our friendly team today to schedule an initial consultation and start your journey towards relief and recovery.
Book an appointment
For all new patients, please book an Initial Appointment with one of our practitioners so we can start creating a healthcare treatment plan to help you kickstart your health journey.
Any questions, please see our FAQ page!