What is a prolapse?
A prolapse occurs when your pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken and no longer provide support to your pelvic organs.
Here are 5 of the biggest myths regarding pelvic organ prolapse.
#1: You can’t have sex with a prolapse / sex makes a prolapse worse.
It is fine to have sex with a prolapse as long as you feel comfortable. Many women with prolapse continue to have intercourse with no issues. Of course, if you do have pain, you should get evaluated by a medical professional.
#2: A prolapse is bad and has to be fixed with surgery.
Many women live successfully with prolapses.
Surgery is one option for prolapse but there are conservative measures that you can try first.
Pessaries are a device you insert that help many women (think of them like a reverse brace for your vagina).
Physical therapy is also super helpful to train the pelvic floor muscles to support the prolapse. PT can also help you fix all the bad habits that contribute to prolapse including managing the pressure that pushes your organs down. If you have had surgery, we can help you learn to lift and move appropriately so your surgery lasts.
# 3: Prolapses are inevetible as you get older.
You can strengthen your pelvic floor and learn to lift and move to help prevent prolapse issues as you age.
#4: Prolapses only happen to people who have had babies.
While childbirth is a common cause, prolapse can happen with any activity that causes downward pressure on the organs such as straining with constipation or very heavy lifting.
#5: You are broken and need fixed if you have a prolapse.
Prolapses are a common occurance and many people have them without even being aware that they exist. Prolapses are usually just uncomfortable and not often painful. If your prolapse is bothersome, you can always try Physical Therapy first, then consider other options like surgery if you need to later.