Prolapse is when one of the pelvic organs, like the bladder, experiences enough strain and pressure that it gets pushed down toward the vaginal canal. The displacement can be a single large event or can occur in repeated small events. As the displacement happens, the walls of the vaginal canal experience stretch and weakness and this can result in a permanent or continued displacement that results in symptoms and diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse.

The bladder is not the only pelvic organ that can experience this displacement. The rectum, uterus, urethra and intestines can also become displaced. The symptoms vary and the severity of the prolapse does not always correspond with more severe symptoms. Some people can have a very large prolapse and no symptoms at all.

Symptoms can include: urinary frequency, urinary urgency, challenges with urinary emptying, vaginal/abdominal/ back pain, and constipation. Many also describe the feeling like they are sitting on a golf ball or just experiencing annoying pressure.

The most common causes of prolapse are pregnancy, vaginal child delivery, chronic constipation, chronic coughing, and a lifestyle of repetitive or heavy lifting. Prolapses can take awhile to develop and start showing symptoms. This development is more likely when you combine one of the above causes with menopause.

If you think you have a prolapse you should talk to your doctor about being evaluated. Your primary care doctor may be able to evaluate it themselves or refer you to a gynecologist for evaluation. There is also the option in the state of Maine to seek an evaluation with a pelvic floor physical therapist without a referral. Depending on your symptoms and how severe the prolapse is when evaluated - your physical therapist may still recommend seeing a gynecologist to make sure there are no urgent issues that need to be addressed.

The sooner you start receiving pelvic rehab treatments the more likely you are to reverse the prolapse without requiring medical devices or surgery!

(COMING SOON!)

Dr. Cadie will be hosting an aquatics exercise class beginning in September at the Blue Hill YMCA. This class will target pelvic floor and core muscle training.

The class is open to anyone ages 14 and older. No exercise experience needed.

The class will be Wednesdays from 11:00-12:00 Sept 11-Oct 23. You can sign up for all 7 weeks or you can sign up one class at a time.

Register by calling the Blue Hill YMCA at 207-374-5358.