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Prolapse meaning

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prolapse medical definition NHS

Prolapse means an organ or body part has slipped, fallen downward, or bulged out of its normal position, usually because its supporting muscles or tissues have become weak.
Examples:
  • Uterine/pelvic organ prolapse: the uterus, bladder, or vaginal walls drop into or outside the vagina.
  • Rectal prolapse: part of the rectum bulges out through the anus.
  • Disc prolapse: the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes outward, sometimes pressing on a nerve.
In simple terms: prolapse = a body part dropping or protruding from where it should normally be.

When should prolapse be treated by a doctor?

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NHS pelvic organ prolapse when to seek urgent medical advice symptoms

For pelvic organ prolapse (a vaginal bulge or “something coming down”), see a doctor or gynecologist if you have:
  • A new or worsening bulge, pelvic heaviness, pressure, or discomfort
  • Trouble passing urine, inability to empty the bladder, repeated urine infections, or urine leakage
  • Constipation, difficulty emptying the bowel, or needing to press around the vagina/perineum to pass stool
  • Pain, bleeding, vaginal sores, discharge, or symptoms affecting walking, exercise, work, or sex
  • A prolapse that is protruding outside the vagina or is getting larger
Seek urgent medical care today if you cannot pass urine, have severe or increasing pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or the protruding tissue becomes very swollen, dark/blue, or extremely painful.
A mild prolapse without symptoms often does not need active treatment, but it is still reasonable to arrange a routine examination to confirm what it is. Treatment may range from pelvic-floor physiotherapy and a vaginal pessary to surgery, depending on symptoms and your preferences. Clinical overview notes that treatment is usually based on how much the prolapse bothers or affects the person.

How can I do pelvic-floor exercises safely?

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NHS pelvic floor exercises how to do safely prolapse

How to do pelvic-floor exercises

  1. Identify the muscles
    • Sit or lie comfortably.
    • Imagine you are trying to stop passing urine and prevent passing wind at the same time.
    • You should feel a gentle squeeze and lift inside the pelvis/vagina, not a tightening of your buttocks or thighs.
    • Do not routinely stop urine midstream to exercise. That can interfere with normal bladder emptying. It is only an occasional way to identify the right muscles.
  2. Slow contractions
    • Breathe normally and relax your tummy, legs, and buttocks.
    • Gently squeeze and lift the pelvic floor.
    • Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax fully for the same amount of time.
    • Repeat 8 to 12 times. As strength improves, work up to holding each contraction for up to 10 seconds.
  3. Quick contractions
    • Squeeze and lift quickly, then release.
    • Do 5 to 10 quick squeezes after the slow set.
  4. Frequency
    • Aim for 3 sets daily.
    • Do them lying down or sitting at first. Progress to standing once you can contract without straining.
    • Improvement commonly takes several weeks to a few months of regular practice.

Safety points

  • Keep breathing. Do not hold your breath or bear down.
  • The exercise should feel like a lift, not pushing downward. If you feel more vaginal pressure or bulging, stop and seek advice.
  • Avoid tightening your buttocks, thighs, or abdominal muscles instead of the pelvic floor.
  • Use the “squeeze before you cough, sneeze, lift, or stand” technique to support the pelvic floor during pressure-producing activities.
  • Address constipation, avoid straining on the toilet, and avoid heavy lifting if it worsens your prolapse symptoms.

Get individual guidance

A pelvic-health physiotherapist can check that you are using the correct muscles and tailor exercises to your prolapse. Arrange an assessment if you cannot feel a lift, the exercises cause pain, pelvic pressure/bulging worsens, or you have significant urinary or bowel symptoms. Pelvic-floor muscle training is commonly used for mild prolapse and may improve symptoms, though it does not necessarily fully reverse a larger prolapse. Clinical overview
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