What is Pelvic Floor Prolapse? 4 Symptoms and How to Find Relief

Recent research suggests that approximately 50% of women will experience pelvic floor prolapse in their lifetime. However, many women don’t know what prolapse is or what the symptoms are, let alone how to find relief. If you have been experiencing pain and discomfort in your pelvic region, it may be time to consider whether pelvic floor prolapse is the cause.

Pelvic floor prolapse is known as a common issue in women that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, causing the pelvic organs to descend into or out of the vagina. This prolapse can happen after childbirth, cancer treatment, or heavy lifting.

At Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas, we are dedicated to providing lasting relief to women experiencing pelvic floor challenges. We treat each woman who comes to us as a unique individual with goals that are specific to them. There is no blanket treatment plan at Pillar. If you are ready to improve your quality of life and experience days without pain, contact us today.

4 Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Prolapse

It’s important to understand the symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse so that you can take action sooner rather than later. Learn the common symptoms below.

Urinary Problems

Urinary problems could be a sign of prolapse. This includes feeling like you need to urinate frequently or difficulty emptying your bladder. You might also experience feeling like your bladder can never fully empty. In addition, many women experience leaking urine when they cough, sneeze, or laugh.

While some of these symptoms could be due to other causes, it’s important to seek an assessment of your pelvic floor to understand the root cause of your pain and discomfort. Having more information about your body is never a bad thing.

Bowel Difficulty

Similar to urinary problems, women with pelvic floor prolapse can experience bowel difficulty. This includes constipation or difficulty passing waste. You might also feel a sense of fullness in your rectum or pressure.

Some of these symptoms could also be associated with dietary issues. However, getting checked for prolapse is a good idea.

Vaginal Discomfort

Vaginal discomfort is one of the top most common symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse. Many women experience pain during intercourse, which tells them there is a pelvic floor problem. You can also experience heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area.

Additionally, feeling a bulge in the vagina is a symptom as well. It’s important not to try to push the bulge up back into the vagina. You should seek professional assistance from a pelvic floor therapist. Vaginal dryness is another discomfort that can be a sign of prolapse.

Pain

In general, having pelvic floor prolapse is uncomfortable and can cause pain to various parts of your body. If you are experiencing lower back pain, pelvic pain, frequent UTIs, or difficulty inserting a tampon, it’s time to get checked out. Seek a pelvic floor therapist to assist you.

How to Improve Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Now that you understand the symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse, it’s time to learn how to get relief. Use the following suggestions to guide you through this challenging experience.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

The best way to treat pelvic floor prolapse is to engage in pelvic floor therapy. A pelvic floor therapist specializes in this area of the body and can assess you specifically for prolapse. Once you have been assessed, your therapist can build a treatment plan that is unique to you and your body.

Reach out to Pillar Physio to schedule your assessment. Our hands-on approach helps you receive lasting relief from pelvic floor pain and discomfort. When you partner with Pillar Physio, you will experience a whole-body approach to your treatment because you are more than just your pelvis.

Exercise

Pelvic floor exercises can assist with relieving prolapse. However, if you aren’t knowledgeable about what exercises you should do, it’s best to consult a pelvic floor therapist. Some exercises can do more harm than good. Get on the right track with guided support.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting can be beneficial to treat your prolapse. Losing weight helps alleviate additional strain on the pelvic floor. Smoking can cause chronic coughing, which can put pressure on the pelvis. Quitting will help remove that unnecessary pressure.

Lastly, lifting heavy items consistently causes you to apply pressure and strain to the pelvis as well. Removing these items from your life will assist in recovery from prolapse.

Pelvic Floor Prolapse Can Be Treated

Contrary to what you may have been told by older generations, pelvic floor prolapse can be treated. For decades, women have been expected just to accept the pain and live with it. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and heal pelvic floor dysfunction.

With the right treatment plan, you can experience relief and improve your quality of life. Your pelvic floor disorder doesn’t have to control you anymore.

If you are ready to take back your life and stop hiding from the pain or embarrassment that pelvic floor prolapse is causing you, contact Pillar Physio today to schedule your assessment. This is your first step towards healing. You don’t have to settle for a life of pain and discomfort. Find lasting relief now because your family and community need you.