Let’s be serious: when our bodies do something new and weird, the default reaction is often to ignore it and hope it goes away. “Oh, that strange clunking noise in my car? It’s probably fine.”
We do the same thing with our health. But when it comes to pelvic organ prolapse, the “wait and see” approach isn’t your best friend.
Prolapse is incredibly common, highly manageable, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. But ignoring the signs can make recovery feel like a bigger mountain to climb and can seriously cramp your style. So, let’s talk about what prolapse actually is, what it feels like, and how you can start feeling like yourself again.
What is Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when one of your pelvic organs – like your bladder, uterus, or rectum – decides to go on a little adventure and shifts out of its usual spot. This occurs when the supportive tissues (think of them as your body’s internal scaffolding) become weak or stretched.
This can happen after childbirth, with aging, or from ongoing pressure in your abdomen. We’re talking about things like chronic coughing, always being constipated, or lifting heavy things without proper technique. Your pelvic floor is basically saying, “I’m tired of holding all this up by myself!”
It’s essential to know that prolapse is not a personal failure. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s a physical condition that happens to millions of people. With the right game plan, you can effectively manage the symptoms and get back to your life.
6 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Brush Off
Prolapse symptoms can be sneaky and subtle, or they can be as obvious as a marching band in a library. Here are some common signs that might be whispering (or shouting) “prolapse”:
- A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or a “pulling” sensation in your pelvis. Some people describe it as feeling like a tampon is falling out.
- Feeling or seeing an actual bulge in your vagina or rectum. Yes, it can feel as weird as it sounds.
- Urinary issues, like leaking when you laugh, a sudden mad dash to the bathroom, or feeling like you can’t quite empty your bladder.
- Constipation or feeling like you need to push and strain to have a bowel movement.
- Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
- A persistent low backache, hip pain, or general pelvic achiness that you can’t explain.
If any of this is ringing a bell, it’s worth getting it checked out. Even mild or occasional symptoms can benefit from a little early attention.
Why Acting Sooner is a Total Game-Changer
It’s tempting to just wait it out, hoping things will magically fix themselves. But prolapse rarely gets better without a little help. Taking action sooner rather than later comes with some major perks:
- Preventing things from getting worse: Addressing prolapse early can help stop it from progressing. It’s like fixing a small leak in your roof before it turns into a major flood.
- Getting your quality of life back: Simple things like exercising, playing with your kids, and being intimate feel so much better when your symptoms are under control.
- More options for care: Non-invasive treatments like physical therapy are often most effective when you start them early.
- Faster recovery: Your muscles and tissues respond much better to treatment before symptoms become more advanced and stubborn.
“Okay, I’m In. What Can I Do?”
If you think you might have prolapse, don’t panic! Here are some practical steps you can take to get moving in the right direction:
1. Schedule an Evaluation
A pelvic health physical therapist is like a detective for your pelvis. They can do a detailed assessment to figure out which organs are involved and how your body is trying to compensate. They’ll look beyond just your pelvis, checking out your posture, breathing, and movement patterns to get the full picture.
2. Strengthen & Coordinate Your Pelvic Floor (The Right Way)
This isn’t just about doing a million Kegels. In fact, that could make things worse! A customized plan will help you retrain your pelvic floor muscles to contract, relax, and support your organs correctly. This might also include core and hip exercises that work in harmony with your pelvic floor.
3. Tweak Your Daily Habits
Small changes can make a huge difference by reducing the strain on your pelvic organs.
- Stay hydrated and eat enough fiber to keep constipation at bay.
- Learn how to lift heavy things without putting all the pressure down below.
- Manage chronic coughing or sneezing with supportive strategies (yes, there are tricks for this!).
- Pay attention to your posture and how you breathe. No more slouching!
4. Consider Supportive Devices
In some cases, your provider might suggest a pessary. This is a small, flexible device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. It can be a great tool to use while you work on strengthening things in therapy.
5. Commit to Consistency
Progress isn’t always a straight line, and it takes time. Sticking with the strategies you learn in therapy and checking in with your provider is the secret sauce for long-term success.
Let’s Clear Up Some Common Misconceptions
“Surgery is my only option.”
Nope! Many people see fantastic improvement with non-invasive care and may never need surgery. It’s definitely not the only tool in the toolbox.
“Prolapse is just for old ladies.”
Absolutely not. Prolapse can happen at any age, especially after having a baby or if you’re involved in activities that put a lot of strain on your pelvis.
“I just need to do more Kegels.”
While pelvic floor exercises are important, they need to be done correctly. Sometimes the problem is a tight pelvic floor, not a weak one, and more Kegels would be like telling someone with a clenched jaw to clench it harder.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of prolapse, please don’t ignore them and hope for the best. Taking action now can make a world of difference in how you feel today and for years to come. A pelvic health professional can guide you through proven, practical strategies to reduce your symptoms, build strength, and protect your pelvic health for the long haul.
Your body is incredibly resilient and capable of healing – sometimes it just needs a little support and the right road map to get there. Get started in the comfort of your own home with our Leak Less, Laugh More course.