Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or bowel, descend and create pressure against the vaginal walls.

Some people notice a sensation of heaviness, dragging or a vaginal bulge, while others experience bladder, bowel or exercise-related symptoms. For many, receiving a prolapse diagnosis can feel worrying or overwhelming.

The good news is that prolapse symptoms do not always reflect the severity of the prolapse itself. Many people are able to successfully manage their symptoms and continue participating in exercise, work and daily activities with appropriate support.

Management may include pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise guidance, bowel and bladder strategies and, for some individuals, vaginal pessary support.

At Boutique Pelvic Health, treatment focuses on understanding your symptoms, identifying contributing factors and developing practical strategies that fit your lifestyle and goals.

Common Symptoms

  • Heaviness & Pressure

    A sensation of vaginal heaviness, dragging, pressure or a feeling that something is bulging or falling down.

  • Bladder & Bowel Symptoms

    Urinary leakage, urgency, incomplete emptying, constipation or difficulty with bowel motions.

  • Exercise & Daily Activities

    Symptoms that worsen with lifting, prolonged standing, exercise or higher-impact activities.
Book Now

How Physiotherapy May Help

Physiotherapy is considered a first-line treatment option for many people experiencing pelvic organ prolapse.

Treatment may include:

• Pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation
• Education regarding prolapse and symptom management
• Strategies to reduce downward pressure on the pelvic floor
• Breathing and pressure management techniques
• Exercise modification and progression guidance
• Bowel management strategies
• Assessment and fitting of vaginal pessaries where appropriate
• Return-to-exercise planning
• Lifestyle and activity recommendations
• Individualised home programs

The aim is to help reduce symptom interference, improve confidence and support participation in the activities that are important to you.

WHAT IS A PESSARY?

Vaginal Pessary Assessment & Fitting

A pessary is a removable medical-grade silicone device that sits inside the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs.

For some people, a pessary can help reduce symptoms such as vaginal heaviness, pressure, bulging sensations and bladder symptoms. Pessaries may be used as a long-term management option or alongside pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise and lifestyle strategies.

Many people find pessaries particularly helpful for:

• Exercise and physical activity

• Prolonged standing or physically demanding work

• Delaying or avoiding surgery

• Managing symptoms during daily life

• Additional support alongside pelvic floor rehabilitation

Zara is experienced in pessary assessment, fitting and ongoing management and can discuss whether a pessary may be appropriate for your individual situation.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Your initial consultation is 60 minutes and provides time to gain a detailed understanding of your symptoms, history and goals.

Your appointment may include:

• Discussion of your symptoms and concerns
• Review of medical history and relevant investigations
• Assessment of posture, breathing and movement patterns
• Pelvic floor assessment where appropriate
• Assessment of prolapse symptoms and contributing factors
• Development of an individualised treatment plan

An internal pelvic floor examination is often recommended because it can provide valuable information about pelvic floor muscle function, prolapse support and symptom presentation. However, your consent is always required and alternative assessment options are available.

Book Now

Why Choose Boutique Pelvic Health

All appointments are provided personally by Zara Howard, APA Titled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

Unlike larger clinics where you may see different practitioners, every appointment at Boutique Pelvic Health is delivered by Zara.

Zara has over a decade of experience in pelvic health and holds a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Women's Health and Continence). Her background includes senior pelvic health roles within the public hospital system, collaboration with urogynaecologists and specialist medical teams, pelvic health research, pessary management and advanced training in prolapse, bladder, bowel and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Her approach is warm, trauma-aware and evidence-based, with care tailored to your body, your symptoms and your goals.

Available Appointments

  • Bundall

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Boutique Building
    55 Bundall Road
    Bundall QLD 4217
    Australia

  • John Flynn / Tugun

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Located within Eden Women’s Health
    Suite 7E, Fred McKay House
    John Flynn Private Hospital

    42 Inland Drive
    Tugun QLD 4224
    Australia

  • Telehealth

    Online pelvic health physiotherapy consultations are available for people across Australia.
Book Now

FAQ's

Can physiotherapy help prolapse?

Yes. Physiotherapy is considered a first-line treatment for many people with pelvic organ prolapse. Treatment may involve pelvic floor rehabilitation, pressure management strategies, exercise guidance and education regarding symptom management.

What is a pessary and could it help my prolapse?

A pessary is a removable medical-grade silicone device that sits inside the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs. For some people, a pessary can help reduce symptoms such as heaviness, pressure, bulging sensations and bladder symptoms.

Pessaries may be used as a long-term management option or alongside pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise and lifestyle strategies. Zara can assess whether a pessary may be appropriate for your individual situation.

Will my prolapse keep getting worse?


Not necessarily. Many factors influence prolapse symptoms and progression. Appropriate management, exercise guidance, bowel health and pelvic floor rehabilitation may help support symptom management and long-term function.

Can I still exercise with prolapse?


In most cases, yes. Exercise remains important for overall health and wellbeing. Physiotherapy can help identify modifications, strategies and exercise progressions that align with your symptoms and goals.

Will I need surgery?


Not everyone with prolapse requires surgery. Many people successfully manage their symptoms through physiotherapy, lifestyle strategies and, where appropriate, pessary support. Surgical decisions are individual and should be discussed with your medical team.

Can constipation make prolapse symptoms worse?


Yes. Straining and difficulty with bowel motions can increase pressure on the pelvic floor and may contribute to prolapse symptoms. Addressing bowel health often forms an important part of prolapse management.

What conditions do you treat?

Boutique Pelvic Health provides physiotherapy support for a range of pelvic health concerns, including persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis, pain with intercourse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, bladder pain, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction, pregnancy-related pain and postnatal recovery.

Treatment is individualised and tailored to your symptoms, goals and stage of life, with a focus on evidence-based care delivered in a supportive and respectful environment.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're newly diagnosed with prolapse or have been managing symptoms for years, support is available.

Book an appointment with Zara Howard to better understand your symptoms and explore treatment options, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise guidance and pessary support.

Book Online