Prolapse Care and Pessary Fitting
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause unfamiliar sensations such as heaviness, pressure, or bulging, and often develops gradually over time due to pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, or ongoing physical demands.
We provide compassionate, respectful support focused on education, symptom management, and practical strategies to improve comfort and daily function.
Where appropriate, pessary assessment and fitting may be included as part of an individualised care plan, helping you understand your options and feel confident making decisions that are right for you.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bladder, uterus, or bowel shift lower and place pressure on the vaginal walls due to changes in the muscles and connective tissues that provide support. It is common and may develop after pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, ageing, or repeated strain over time. Although prolapse is a long-term condition, many women manage symptoms successfully with conservative care, including physiotherapy, education, and options such as pessaries to improve comfort, function, and confidence.
Common signs and symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Symptoms of prolapse can range from mild to more noticeable and may include:
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A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or dragging in the vagina or pelvis
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A sensation of bulging or something “coming down” in the vagina
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Symptoms that worsen with standing, lifting, or later in the day
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Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or needing to change position to do so
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A feeling of incomplete bladder or bowel emptying
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Lower back or pelvic discomfort
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Changes in bladder or bowel control
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Discomfort during sexual activity
Not all women with prolapse experience significant symptoms, and the degree of prolapse seen on examination does not always match how symptoms feel. Early assessment can help guide appropriate management and support symptom control.
The role of Pelvic floor Physiotherapy in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management
Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays an important role in the conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse. Treatment focuses on improving support, reducing symptoms, and helping you feel more confident in how your body functions during daily life.
Physiotherapy care may include education about prolapse and symptom management, pelvic floor muscle training tailored to your presentation, strategies to manage pressure through the abdomen, and guidance around movement, lifting, and exercise.
Treatment is individualised and aims to support comfort and function rather than “fixing” or reversing prolapse. Many women find that with the right guidance, symptoms such as heaviness, pressure, or discomfort can be significantly reduced.
Pelvic Organ Support Pessaries
Pelvic organ support pessaries are removable devices worn inside the vagina as a conservative management option, often alongside pelvic floor muscle training, to help support the pelvic organs and reduce symptoms such as heaviness, pressure, or bulging.
All of our physiotherapists are trained in pessary fitting and management, and we offer in-clinic fittings with a range of sizes and styles to find the most comfortable and effective option for your body and symptoms. It’s common to trial more than one pessary to achieve the best fit, and we guide you through each step with education and follow-up to ensure safe, comfortable, and sustainable use.
The Role of Vaginal Estrogen
Vaginal oestrogen is a low-dose, locally acting treatment that may be recommended to support vaginal and pelvic tissue health, particularly during perimenopause, menopause, breastfeeding, or after certain medical treatments when tissues can become thinner or more sensitive. Healthy tissues can improve comfort and tolerance with pessary use by reducing dryness, irritation, and the risk of breakdown.
Prescribed by your GP or specialist, vaginal oestrogen works locally with minimal absorption, and may be discussed as part of your overall prolapse management plan to support safe and comfortable long-term pessary use.
Is a Pessary right for me?
A pelvic organ support pessary can help reduce symptoms such as heaviness, pressure, or bulging, particularly if pelvic floor muscle training alone hasn’t fully relieved symptoms.
Pessaries may be used short- or long-term alongside physiotherapy and are a suitable non-surgical option for women who are unable who are an unsuitable candidate for or would like to delay surgery; pregnant, postnatal, or wish to remain active while managing prolapse symptoms.
Get in Touch
We are here to support you. Reach out for inquiries or to schedule an appointment.
Suite 25, Level 1, 22/36 Scott St,
Toowoomba City QLD 4350
