Vaginal prolapse is a common condition where one or more of the pelvic organs move downwards and create pressure or a feeling of heaviness within the vagina. It occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs become less effective at providing support.
Prolapse can affect women at any stage of life, although it is more common after pregnancy and childbirth, during menopause, or following changes that place increased pressure on the pelvic floor.
Although prolapse can feel worrying, it is important to understand that it is a very common and manageable condition. Many women improve their symptoms significantly with the right advice, lifestyle changes, and targeted pelvic health physiotherapy.
The pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues help keep the bladder, bowel, uterus, and vaginal walls in their normal position.
A prolapse occurs when these supporting structures become weakened or stretched, allowing an organ to move lower than usual.
Types of prolapse include:
This involves the bladder pushing into the front wall of the vagina.
This occurs when the rectum pushes against the back wall of the vagina.
This occurs when the uterus moves downwards towards or into the vaginal canal.
This may occur after a hysterectomy, when the top of the vagina loses some of its normal support.
Symptoms vary significantly between women. Some may have a prolapse with very few symptoms, while others experience noticeable changes.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms often worsen towards the end of the day or after activities that increase pressure through the abdomen.
Prolapse usually develops due to a combination of factors rather than one single cause.
Risk factors include:
It is also important to recognise that prolapse can affect active women and those who have never had children.
A diagnosis is usually made through a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional.
A pelvic health physiotherapist will discuss:
Assessment may include:
Your physiotherapist can work alongside your GP or gynaecologist where further assessment or treatment is required.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is an important part of conservative management for vaginal prolapse.
Treatment may include:
A personalised pelvic floor programme can help improve:
Research shows that targeted pelvic floor training can improve symptoms for many women with mild to moderate prolapse.
Your physiotherapist can help you understand how to manage pressure on the pelvic floor, including advice around:
The aim is not to avoid activity but to help you move confidently and safely.
Some women benefit from a vaginal pessary, a device fitted inside the vagina to provide additional support.
A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide advice alongside medical management where appropriate.
Not everyone with a prolapse requires surgery. Treatment depends on:
Some women manage their symptoms successfully with physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or pessary support. Others may require surgical advice from a specialist gynaecologist.
A prolapse diagnosis can feel concerning, but many women continue to exercise, work, and enjoy an active lifestyle with the right support.
A specialist pelvic health physiotherapist can provide a confidential, one-to-one assessment to help you understand your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms, returning to exercise after childbirth, or looking for advice before symptoms worsen, personalised guidance can help you feel more confident.