Pelvic organ prolapse is a common pelvic health condition that occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus or bowel) descend and place pressure on the vaginal walls. This can result in symptoms such as a sensation of bulging, heaviness or dragging in the vagina, particularly at the end of the day or with prolonged standing, lifting or exercise.

Prolapse can occur at any age and is commonly associated with pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, chronic straining, or connective tissue factors. While prolapse is common, symptoms are not something you need to tolerate.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a recommended first-line treatment for many people with pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may include:

- Vaginal bulging or a feeling of “something coming down”

- Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis

- Discomfort with standing, walking or exercise

- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels

- Worsening symptoms later in the day

How pelvic health physiotherapy can help

Management of prolapse focuses on improving support, reducing symptoms and helping you return to activities that matter to you.

Your physiotherapy care may include:

- Pelvic floor muscle assessment and targeted retraining

- Education around safe lifting, posture and movement strategies

- Exercise modification and graded return to impact activities

- Strategies to reduce downward pressure on the pelvic organs

- Individualised guidance during pregnancy, postpartum or menopause

Pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse

A vaginal pessary is a removable device that sits inside the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs. Pessaries can be an effective, non-surgical option for managing prolapse symptoms and may allow many people to return to exercise, work and daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Pessaries can be used:

- In combination with pelvic floor physiotherapy

- Temporarily (for example, during higher-impact activities)

- As a longer-term management strategy if preferred

At Elevate Pelvic Health, Melissa D’Arcy has completed advanced training in pessary fitting and is experienced in fitting a range of different pessary types and sizes. This allows for an individualised approach, as pessary choice depends on prolapse type, symptom profile and personal goals.

Education, follow-up and support are provided to ensure pessary use is safe, comfortable and effective.

Individualised, conservative prolapse care

Every person’s experience of prolapse is different. We take a conservative, evidence-based and person-centred approach, working with you to develop a management plan that aligns with your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic health physiotherapy and pessary support may be effective options for managing your symptoms and improving quality of life.

Our Springfield Pelvic Health Clinic

Elevate Pelvic Health provides expert women’s health physiotherapy to the Springfield Central community and surrounding suburbs, including Brookwater, Augustine Heights, and Spring Mountain.

You can find us conveniently located inside the Total Fusion Lions complex at 16 Eden Station Drive. Our clinic offers a private, supportive environment where we combine evidence-based care with a deep understanding of the local community’s needs. Whether you are visiting us for pregnancy support or pelvic floor rehabilitation, our Springfield team is here to help you move with confidence.

Getting Here: We are just a short walk from the Springfield Central train station, with ample parking available on-site at the Lions stadium precinct.