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Prolapse

Prolapse is a common condition where the bladder, uterus and/or bowel protrudes into the vagina.

What causes prolapse?

Prolapse is caused by stretching of the ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic organs.

Common risk factors include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Chronic coughing.
• Heavy or repetitive lifting.
• Constipation and regularly straining on the toilet.
• Excess weight.

Symptoms of prolapse

Signs of a prolapse can include:

• an inability to completely empty the bladder or the bowel when going to the toilet
• straining to get urine flow started, or to empty the bowel
• a slow flow of urine that tends to stop and start
• a sensation of fullness or pressure inside the vagina
• a sensation of vaginal heaviness or dragging pain
• a bulge or swelling felt in the vagina
• bladder or bowel urgency or incontinence
• lower back ache.

Diagnosis

A prolapse is diagnosed by a medical history check and a physical examination.

Management and treatment

Prolapse won’t go away without intervention, but there is a lot you can do to improve the symptoms.

Treatment depends on the severity of the prolapse and how much it interferes with your lifestyle. It can include:

• Lifestyle changes.
• Strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
• Inserting a ring pessary to support the prolapse.

FPT prolapse services

Family Planning Tasmania offers the following prolapse services:

• Assessment – medical history and examination to diagnose prolapse
• Management plan which may include:
  • Lifestyle measures
  • Medication
  • Pessary fitting – insertion of a ring pessary to support the prolapse
  • Ongoing pessary care
  • Recommendation/referral to pelvic floor physiotherapist
  • Referral for surgery

Contact us for an appointment.

Useful information  

https://continence.org.au/pages/prolapse.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=122&v=yb_c9rGv_0o&feature=emb_logo

https://www.squeezyapp.com/

http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-first-app.html