Prolapse
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is the slipping or dropping of an organ from its normal position. The pelvic organs can include the bladder, uterus, vagina, urethra, and rectum. Prolapse can happen to anyone, although it is more common for those with a vagina. Some common types of prolapse include:
- Urethrocele: The dropping of the urethra (tube that carries urine out the body).
- Enterocele: Shifting or dropping of the small intestine, often onto the vagina.
- Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (dropped bladder / cystocele): The most common type of prolapse, where the bladder drops onto the vagina.
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse (dropped rectum / rectocele): Shifting of the rectum, often causing it to bulge into the back vaginal wall.
- Uterine prolapse (dropped uterus): Dropping of the uterus into the vagina.
- Vaginal vault prolapse (vaginal prolapse): The dropping or shifting of the upper portion of the vagina. This type of prolapse is common in those who have had a hysterectomy.
Prolapse of a pelvic organ is caused by weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor holds many jobs, one of which is to support the body’s pelvic organs. When these muscles are weakened, they cannot support organs as needed, resulting in shifting. Pelvic muscles can become weakened or damaged in a variety of ways—pelvic floor dysfunction such as chronic constipation, maladaptive behavioral habits such as straining with urination and bowel movements, pre-existing conditions (such as Ehlers-Danlos or other connective tissue disorders), pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, surgery, age, and genetic predisposition.
Pelvic organ prolapse can create a variety of symptoms that vary depending on the type and severity of the prolapse. Symptoms can include:
- Low back pain
- Pain with sex
- Pressure or pain in the pelvis
- Heaviness or a sense of something falling out
- Spotting
- Constipation
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Needing to utilize fingers for assistance during urination or defecation
- In some cases, bulging of organ tissue from the openings of the vagina or anus
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a very important form of non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. Many factors that can lead to prolapse (genetics, age, pre-existing conditions) are out of your hands, but you can control improving the health of your pelvic floor, such as flexibility, strength, and coordination!
Keeping your pelvic floor in optimal condition—especially in the case of pregnancy or surgery—is a major way to lessen the risks of prolapse. Those who experience any level of pelvic floor dysfunction or who have chronic conditions (such as chronic constipation) can greatly benefit from preventative pelvic floor physical therapy, too.
For those who are already experiencing some level of prolapse, pelvic floor physical therapy is extremely necessary. Improving and strengthening your pelvic floor can help prevent worsening of your prolapse, and allow you to control your symptoms better! No matter if you are in the early stages or later stages of prolapse, pelvic floor therapy can be very beneficial.
Even individuals in more severe cases, such as those requiring surgery, will still want to work with a professional to help improve the health of their pelvic floor before and after their operation. Many people experience a recurrence of prolapse even after surgical correction—so it is essential that you don’t leave physical therapy out of your care plan!
Dr. Meihofer will be able to help you better understand your condition and pelvic floor, and will craft a curated treatment plan for your unique needs. This can include a variety of treatments, such as manual therapy, prescribed exercises, biofeedback, and more. Because she takes a very holistic approach to physical therapy, you can expect to engage in behavioral modifications, lifestyle changes, and at-home practice too!
These treatment techniques will help your pelvic floor be better able to do its job and support your organs properly. This can help prevent prolapse or improve symptoms for those experiencing it currently, especially if you seek care early. While pelvic floor physical therapy is not necessarily a magical fix for late-stage prolapse, it can significantly improve your symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.
Prolapse can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, but unfortunately many people are embarrassed or afraid to seek the medical attention they need. There is no shame in seeking better health! Dr. Meihofer works very hard to allow her patients to feel comfortable and empowered while in her care and when they leave her office. Patients of all ages, genders, and sexualities are welcome in her space to receive the high-quality care they need!
You can learn more about Dr. Laura Meihofer on her bio page.
Dr. Laura Meihofer is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance including Medicaid or Medicare. You are responsible for full payment at the time of services. Documentation for out-of-network insurance benefits will be provided upon request.
Choose a Service That’s Best for You!
Dr. Meihofer’s pelvic floor physical therapy for bowel evacuation disorders can be provided in multiple ways! Explore Dr. Meihofer’s service options below to find one that best fits your health goals, availability, and needs.
You can choose to get started immediately by booking an in-person or telehealth evaluation, or have your questions answered with a free discovery call!
Conditions Related to Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Not seeing your specific condition or symptom here? No worries, Dr. Meihofer has experience with many different pelvic floor conditions! For questions regarding your unique case, you can schedule a free discovery call to see if pelvic floor therapy is right for you.
