Pittsburgh Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Prolapse can sound like a scary diagnosis but actually it is very common among women after giving birth and can be well managed with pelvic floor therapy. Prolapse is defined as the descent of one or more walls of the vagina, the uterus or cervix. What this basically means it that the supporting structures of these organs have stretched, resulting in a subtle descent of one of these organs into the walls of the vagina. The organs are supported by fascia, ligaments and muscles, and reduced support of any of these structures can result in pelvic organ prolapse.
Common symptoms:
- A feeling that something is falling out of the vagina
- Sensation of a misplaced tampon
- Bulge or heaviness in the vagina or rectum
- Sense of heaviness or dragging in the pelvis
- Difficulty fully emptying bladder or bowels
Treatment techniques that we use to help you get better:
- Assessing your prolapse grade and coordinating care with your doctor for proper management as indicated
- Checking pelvic floor muscles internally for poor coordination and weakness and teaching you to properly contract as well as fully relax your pelvic floor muscles
- Manual therapy including trigger point release of internal pelvic floor muscles as well as larger muscles externally (ex- abdominals, thighs)
- Education for proper bladder and bowel habits, with special attention on reducing ineffective abdominal pressure, such as habitual straining for bowel movements
- Ergonomic training for proper support to your pelvic floor, including training for functional activities such as lifting your kids and household activities
- A personalized exercise program to help you target your areas of weakness
Pittsburgh Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Frequently Asked Questions
At Form and Function Pelvic Health, both Lauren and Kelly are specifically trained to treat pelvic organ prolapse in pregnant and postpartum moms through the Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) certification with Sarah Duvall. We’ve also completed advanced continuing education in hands-on pelvic floor treatment and higher-level exercise programming through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and the Institute for Birth Healing. Our Pittsburgh practice prioritizes skilled manual therapy, including myofascial release, alongside individualized exercise prescription so you feel strong and supported through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and life with little ones.
What is pelvic organ prolapse, and what does it feel like?
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic floor weaken, allowing organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to drop from their normal positions and press into the vaginal wall. Common signs include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, a noticeable bulge at the vaginal opening, difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowels, and discomfort during sex. Symptoms tend to feel worse at the end of the day or after long periods of standing. Many of our postpartum clients in Pittsburgh first notice it when they return to carrying their baby, lifting, or working out. Form and Function Pelvic Health helps moms understand what’s going on and manage symptoms with personalized, evidence-based care.
How common is pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy and postpartum?
More common than most moms realize, and one of the most frequent concerns we see at Form and Function Pelvic Health. Pregnancy puts significant load on the pelvic floor, and vaginal birth can further stretch or injure the supporting tissues. Many women first notice symptoms in the early postpartum weeks or when they try to return to exercise, and they’re often caught off guard because no one mentioned it during their prenatal or postpartum visits. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or years out from delivery and still noticing symptoms, you are not alone, and you have options. Learn more about our pregnancy and postpartum services.
What are the different types of pelvic organ prolapse?
The type depends on which organ has shifted. The most common are cystocele (bladder into the vaginal wall), rectocele (rectum into the back wall of the vagina), uterine prolapse (uterus descends into the vaginal canal), and less commonly enterocele (small intestine pushes into the vaginal wall). Some women experience more than one type at the same time, especially after childbirth. The therapists at Form and Function Pelvic Health are experienced in evaluating and treating all forms of pelvic organ prolapse in pregnant and postpartum moms.
What causes pelvic organ prolapse in pregnant and postpartum women?
For our clients, the biggest contributing factors are pregnancy itself (the weight of a growing baby plus hormonal changes that soften connective tissue), vaginal childbirth (especially longer pushing stages, larger babies, instrumental deliveries, or tearing), and returning to high-impact exercise or heavy lifting before the pelvic floor has fully recovered. Chronic constipation, breath-holding during exertion, and core or pelvic floor dysfunction can all make symptoms worse. Form and Function Pelvic Health takes a whole-person approach to figure out what’s driving your symptoms and build a plan that addresses the root cause.
Does pelvic organ prolapse always require surgery?
Not at all. For pregnant and postpartum moms, surgery is rarely the first step. Most women manage prolapse effectively with conservative care, especially when it’s addressed early. Pelvic floor physical therapy strengthens and coordinates the muscles that support the pelvic organs, and often reduces the severity of symptoms. Hands-on myofascial release, pessary fitting with your provider, and a graded return-to-exercise plan are also highly effective tools. Surgery is generally only considered when symptoms are severe or when conservative treatment hasn’t provided relief. Form and Function Pelvic Health helps Pittsburgh moms explore all of their options.
Can pelvic floor physical therapy really improve prolapse symptoms?
Yes, and the research strongly supports it. Targeted pelvic floor therapy can reduce pressure, bulging, and urinary or bowel symptoms, and studies show it can help move patients from a higher stage of prolapse to a lower one. At Form and Function Pelvic Health, we prioritize hands-on manual therapy, including myofascial release, alongside individualized exercise prescription. This is a cornerstone of our approach and reflects the advanced training our therapists have completed through Herman & Wallace and the Institute for Birth Healing. Pittsburgh moms get a plan built specifically around their body, their birth history, and their goals.
What are the stages of pelvic organ prolapse, and does staging determine my treatment?
Prolapse is graded on a scale of 1 to 4, with Stage 1 being mild and Stage 4 being the most severe. In practice, treatment decisions depend much more on how symptoms affect your daily life than on the stage alone. Many of our postpartum clients with Stage 1 or 2 prolapse feel significantly better with pelvic floor therapy and a smart return-to-exercise plan. Form and Function Pelvic Health works alongside your OB, midwife, or urogynecologist to support whichever path makes sense for you.
Will pelvic organ prolapse get worse if left untreated?
Prolapse doesn’t always progress quickly, but it’s unlikely to resolve on its own, especially if contributing factors like constipation, breath-holding, or unsupported lifting aren’t addressed. Postpartum symptoms often improve with healing, but without guided rehab, many moms find that symptoms return or worsen once they resume running, lifting, or chasing a toddler. Getting evaluated sooner rather than later opens up the full range of conservative options and helps you return to the activities you love with confidence.
How is pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed?
Prolapse is typically diagnosed through a pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist, urogynecologist, or pelvic floor physical therapist. Your provider may ask you to bear down or cough during the exam to see how the organs respond to pressure. If you’ve noticed a bulge, heaviness, or new urinary or bowel symptoms, whether during pregnancy or after delivery, Form and Function Pelvic Health can perform a thorough pelvic floor evaluation and coordinate with your care team in the Pittsburgh area.
Is it safe to exercise with pelvic organ prolapse?
Yes, with the right guidance. Staying active is good for prolapse, but high-impact movement and heavy lifting done with poor strategy can make symptoms worse. Our therapists are trained through the PCES certification with Sarah Duvall specifically to help pregnant and postpartum moms return safely to running, lifting, CrossFit, and the activities they love. We build a progressive plan that protects your pelvic floor while you rebuild real, functional strength, not just the kind that looks good, but the kind that lets you pick up your kids and get back to the gym without symptoms holding you back.
Getting Started Is Easy
Don't worry, you're in good hands. We've made the process super easy for you.
Step 1 - Book a free 30 minute in-person discovery session
Step 2 - Meet your therapist and see if we would be a good fit for each other!
Step 3 - Schedule your first 60 minute PT evaluation - and get ready to regain control and feel your best again.
