Condition
Helping you understand your body and regain confidence
Many women are surprised to learn they have a prolapse after giving birth. Others notice a feeling of heaviness, dragging or a vaginal bulge but aren’t sure what’s happening.
These symptoms can feel worrying and are often accompanied by fears that something is “falling out” or that their body has been permanently damaged.
The good news is that a prolapse does not always get worse, and many women see significant improvement with the right assessment, education and rehabilitation.
What is a prolapse?
A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or bowel, move downwards into the vagina due to reduced support from the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues.
You may notice:
- A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the vagina
- A visible or noticeable vaginal bulge
- Pelvic pressure that worsens towards the end of the day
- Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
- Discomfort during exercise
- A feeling that something “isn’t quite right”
Symptoms often vary from day to day and may change depending on your activity levels, fatigue, hormonal changes and where you are in your recovery.
Looking beyond the pelvic floor
Although the pelvic floor plays an important role, it is only one part of the picture.
Pregnancy, birth, abdominal muscle function, breathing patterns, posture, previous injuries, scar tissue, bowel habits, physical demands and the way your body manages pressure can all influence prolapse symptoms.
My approach is to understand how these factors interact for you, rather than focusing on a single muscle or structure. This allows us to develop a personalised treatment plan that supports your recovery and helps you return to the activities that matter most.
How I can help
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
- Comprehensive postnatal assessment
- Pelvic floor assessment (where appropriate)
- Core and abdominal rehabilitation
- Breathing and pressure management
- Hands-on physiotherapy and visceral therapy where appropriate
- Exercise guidance and return-to-activity advice
- Education and practical strategies to manage symptoms with confidence
The aim isn’t simply to strengthen your pelvic floor, but to help your whole body work together more effectively.
Pessary support
For some women, a vaginal pessary can be a helpful part of managing prolapse symptoms, particularly when combined with rehabilitation, education and lifestyle advice.
Where appropriate, I can discuss whether a pessary may be beneficial and fit one as part of your ongoing care. I do not currently offer a standalone pessary fitting service, but it is available for women receiving treatment with me when it forms part of their personalised management plan.
You don't have to live with it
Many women assume prolapse is simply something they have to accept after having children.
In reality, understanding what is happening in your body is often the first step towards feeling more confident and in control again.
Whether your symptoms have recently developed or you’ve been living with them for years, together we can create a personalised plan to help you better understand your body, manage your symptoms and move forward with confidence.
