What it is
Pelvic organ prolapse is a “bulge” near the opening of the vagina. This can happen when the muscles that hold your pelvic organs weaken, and the organs protrude out of place.
Symptoms
Prolapse is often asymptomatic, and is typically not associated with pain. Some symptoms may include a “heavy” feeling in the vagina or anus, difficulty initiating urination, constipation, discomfort during intercourse, and the feeling that your ‘insides’ are falling out.
Treatment
Pelvic Physical Therapy treatment for pelvic bulge/prolapse includes specific exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.These may include learning to do Kegels properly, as well as other exercises, where patients are monitored using biofeedback equipment (similar to a heart rate monitor) to see if the pelvic muscles are being contracted correctly. The timing of pelvic muscle contractions is also important, and this is taught as well.