Ladies: is it time for you to book in a women’s health appointment with our qualified physio?
We’re going to have a look at pelvic organ prolapse (also called POP).
Symptoms of POP:
a heavy sensation or dragging in your vagina
something ‘coming down” or a lump in your vagina
a lump bulging out of your vagina, which you see or feel when you are in the shower or having a bath
sexual problems of pain or less sensation
a bladder that doesn’t empty as it should, or a weak urine stream
recurring urinary tract infections
difficulty emptying your bowel.
Causes of POP:
pregnancy and childbirth, especially after vaginal delivery
ageing
menopause
chronic coughing
chronic constipation
heavy lifting (although there is research going on in this space)
genetics
Stage 1 prolapse occurs in at least 50% of all women (even those without children).
Initially these things can be embarrassing and confronting. Getting a thorough assessment with our women’s health physio will help you take control of the situation. Physiotherapy management of POP usually involves exercises, advice on how to continue with daily activities as well as exercise, and even adding external aids.
You can find the best ways to manage a POP, prevent it getting worse, and how to stay involved in work, sport, and all the activities in life!
