Ligaments that hold the bladder, uterus and rectum in place can be stretched and damaged for many reasons. If the muscle is not strong enough to support the ligaments then the organs can start to drop and press into the vaginal wall (prolapse).

Prolapse can include one or more of the pelvic organs:

• Bladder presses into the front wall of the vagina
• Uterus drops down lower into the vagina
• Rectum presses forward into the back wall of the vagina

The severity of the prolapse may be minor (the bulge is felt higher inside the vagina) or severe, where the bulge comes out of the vagina externally.

Symptoms of prolapse:

• Heavy/dragging feeling
• Bulging inside the vagina
• Back ache

Management of pelvic floor prolapse includes adjusting lifestyle factors that may be placing added stress on the pelvic organs, improving pelvic organ support through pelvic floor retraining. Some women may need a pessary support, which is a device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs.