Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Women and Men
Prolapse is a common condition that affects many people, yet it is something that is rarely talked about openly. If you have noticed a feeling of heaviness, pressure, a bulge, or changes in your bladder or bowel function, you may be experiencing symptoms of prolapse.
While prolapse can be worrying, it is a common condition, particularly as we get older. The good news is that there are a range of treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
A prolapse occurs when the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues of the pelvic floor become weakened or stretched. The pelvic floor acts like a supportive hammock at the base of the pelvis, helping to support the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs.
When these support structures become less effective, one or more pelvic organs can drop from their normal position and create a feeling of pressure, heaviness or bulging. In women, this is known as pelvic organ prolapse.
Some people have very mild symptoms, while others find prolapse affects their confidence, comfort, exercise routine, work or everyday activities.
Types of Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, depending on which organ has lost support.
A bladder prolapse, also known as a cystocele, occurs when the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina. This can sometimes contribute to symptoms such as urinary leakage, urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder fully.
A uterine prolapse occurs when the womb (uterus) descends lower into the vagina because the supporting muscles and tissues have weakened.
A rectocele develops when the rectum presses against the back wall of the vagina and can sometimes make bowel movements more difficult.
Some women may experience a vaginal vault prolapse, which can occur after a hysterectomy when the top of the vagina loses some of its support.
It is also possible to have more than one type of prolapse at the same time.
Can Men Get Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Although prolapse is more commonly associated with women, men can also experience prolapse-related conditions and pelvic floor dysfunction.
One example is rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum moves down from its normal position. Men may also experience pelvic floor weakness that contributes to bowel symptoms, bladder symptoms or reduced pelvic support. Factors such as ageing, previous pelvic surgery, chronic straining and constipation can all play a role.
Like women, men can benefit from improving pelvic floor function and seeking professional support when symptoms are present.
What Causes Prolapse?
There is rarely a single cause of prolapse. More commonly, it develops over time as a result of repeated strain on the pelvic floor.
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most common causes, particularly following multiple deliveries, prolonged labour or assisted births. Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect the strength and elasticity of the tissues that support the pelvic organs.
Other factors that may increase the risk of developing prolapse include ageing, being overweight, chronic constipation, repeated heavy lifting, ongoing coughing, connective tissue weakness and previous pelvic surgery.
Importantly, prolapse can also occur in people who have never been pregnant or given birth.
How Common Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Prolapse is far more common than many people realise. According to the NHS, pelvic organ prolapse is particularly common in women over the age of 50.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists reports that approximately one in ten women over the age of 50 are affected by pelvic organ prolapse.
Some NHS sources also suggest that up to half of women over the age of 50 experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse at some point in their lives, highlighting just how common the condition can be.
In addition, some NHS resources estimate that around 40% of women who have given birth may develop some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, although many experience few or no symptoms.
These figures help demonstrate that prolapse is a common health condition and not something that people should feel embarrassed about discussing or seeking help for.
Common Symptoms of Prolapse
Symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the type and severity of the prolapse.
Many people describe a feeling of heaviness, pressure or dragging within the pelvis. Others may notice a lump or bulge inside the vagina, a feeling that something is "coming down", bladder leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation or discomfort during physical activity. Symptoms are often more noticeable after prolonged standing, lifting, exercise or towards the end of the day.
Some individuals have a prolapse with very few symptoms, while others find it has a significant impact on their daily life.
What Does NICE Recommend for Prolapse?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends supervised pelvic floor muscle training for women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. NICE advises a structured programme lasting at least four months, supported by appropriate review and guidance.
This means that pelvic floor strengthening is considered a first-line, non-surgical treatment for many women experiencing prolapse symptoms. Before considering more invasive treatments, improving the strength, coordination and function of the pelvic floor muscles is often recommended.
For many people, strengthening the pelvic floor can help improve support, reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Practical Tips for Managing Prolapse
While every situation is unique, there are simple steps that may help reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and support symptom management.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, reducing excessive straining when opening your bowels and being mindful of heavy lifting can all help reduce additional pressure on the pelvic floor. Seeking advice early can also be beneficial, as conservative treatments are often most effective when symptoms are addressed promptly.
How Pelvic Floor Chair Therapy May Help
At The Pelvic Therapy Suite, we know that pelvic floor exercises aren't always straightforward. Many people are unsure whether they're engaging the right muscles, while others find it difficult to stay consistent enough to achieve meaningful results.
Pelvic Floor Chair Therapy offers a non-invasive way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles while remaining fully clothed and comfortably seated. Using advanced technology, the chair stimulates powerful pelvic floor muscle contractions that would be difficult to achieve through voluntary exercise alone.
A strong pelvic floor plays an important role in supporting the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. By helping to improve muscle strength, endurance and function, Pelvic Floor Chair Therapy can provide additional support where weakness may be contributing to prolapse symptoms.
Many clients choose Pelvic Floor Chair Therapy because it is simple, comfortable and requires no internal examinations or exercise during treatment sessions. It can be particularly appealing for those who struggle with traditional pelvic floor exercises.
You Don't Have to Put Up with Prolapse Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms such as pelvic heaviness, pressure, a bulge, bladder leakage or changes in bowel function, it is worth seeking professional advice. Prolapse is common, support is available, and many people find their symptoms improve with the right combination of treatment, guidance and pelvic floor rehabilitation.
References
NHS – Pelvic Organ Prolapsehttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ [nhs.uk]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Prevention and Non-Surgical Management (NG210)https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210 [nice.org.uk], [nice.org.uk]
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) – Pelvic Organ Prolapse Patient Informationhttps://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ [rcog.org.uk]
NHS Dynamic Health – Pelvic Organ Prolapse Informationhttps://dynamichealth.nhs.uk/help-and-advice/pelvic-health/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ [dynamichealth.nhs.uk]
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Pelvic Organ Prolapse Information Leaflethttps://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/Pelvic_organ_prolapse_GHPI1334_12_24_uQhO4gO.pdf [gloshospitals.nhs.uk]
Medical Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person's circumstances are different, and symptoms may have a variety of causes.
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