Pelvic organ prolapse – symptoms, causes and treatment

Af nurse & CEO, Matilde Fevre - last updated July 28, 2026

Maybe you’ve noticed a feeling of heaviness in your pelvic area. Perhaps you feel pressure downwards after being on your feet all day. Or maybe it feels like a tampon isn't sitting quite right – even though you’re not wearing one.

If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Pelvic organ prolapse is common, particularly after pregnancy and childbirth and later in life around for example menopause. But what exactly is pelvic organ prolapse? And what can you do to ease the symptoms and support your pelvic floor?

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when one or more of the pelvic organs move down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This happens when the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues no longer provide the same support as before.

Your pelvic organs are supported by the pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue and ligaments. If these become stretched or weakened – for example during pregnancy and childbirth – one or more organs can move further down into the pelvis.

There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse depending on which organ is affected. These include the bladder (cystocele), the uterus, the rectum (rectocele) and the small bowel (enterocele). The symptoms can vary depending on the type and degree of prolapse.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse can feel different from woman to woman. Some have only mild symptoms, while for others they can have a bigger impact on everyday life. Symptoms may be there all the time or come and go, and many women notice them more towards the end of the day or after being active for a long time.

Common symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
• A sensation of a bulge in the vagina
• Feeling as though something is moving downwards or out of the vagina
• Difficulty emptying your bladder completely
• Difficulty emptying your bowels or needing to strain
• Urinary incontinence, for example leaking when you cough, sneeze or exercise
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, pelvis or lower back
• Discomfort or pain during sex

If your symptoms are affecting your everyday life or making you worried, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or a pelvic health physiotherapist. They can assess what’s going on and help you find the right support.

What causes pelvic organ prolapse?

There isn’t always one clear cause. For many women, several factors play a role over the course of their lives.

Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most common. During pregnancy and vaginal birth, the pelvic floor and supporting tissues are put under considerable strain. The body recovers remarkably well, but for some women, the support around the pelvic organs doesn’t return completely to how it was before.

Symptoms may also first appear many years after giving birth or become more noticeable with age. Connective tissue naturally changes over time, and hormonal changes around menopause can also affect the tissues. Chronic coughing, constipation, being overweight and repeated heavy lifting can put additional strain on the pelvic floor.

It’s worth remembering: having a prolapse doesn’t mean you haven’t taken good care of your body. Often, it’s the result of a combination of completely normal things your body has been through over the years – pregnancy, childbirth, lifting, working and ageing.

What can you do to make everyday life with prolapse easier?

If you are experiencing prolapse, there are things you can do to reduce strain on your pelvic floor and make everyday life more comfortable.

Trying to avoid constipation can be a start, as it helps reduce straining when you go to the toilet. If heavy lifting is part of your everyday life – whether it’s moving boxes or picking up small children – try to take breaks when you can and use a good lifting technique. It can also help to gently engage your pelvic floor before you lift.

Pelvic floor exercises can also be helpful, particularly if you experience urinary incontinence. They can improve pelvic floor strength and control and may help reduce prolapse symptoms.

But most importantly, don’t become afraid of using your body. In most cases, there’s no need to stop exercising or moving your body because of a prolapse. It’s about finding a level of activity that feels right for you, without your symptoms becoming too uncomfortable or limiting you.

How is pelvic organ prolapse treated?

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse is first and foremost about relieving your symptoms and making everyday life easier.

Getting the right information and guidance is often a good place to start. Many women also find it helpful to see a pelvic health physiotherapist, who can help with pelvic floor exercises and other ways to manage symptoms.

Another option is a pessary, which is placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs. If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, surgery may also be an option. Surgery can restore support to the prolapsed organs by repairing and strengthening the tissues that hold them in place.

The right treatment will always depend on your symptoms, your preferences and an individual assessment.

Most importantly, you don’t have to simply live with the symptoms. Pelvic organ prolapse is common, but there are different ways to get help and find the support that works for you.