Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What It Really Means and How You Can Heal Naturally

You Are Not Broken – You Just Need Support

Have you ever felt heaviness or pressure deep in your pelvic area? Maybe it started right after birth – or even years later. Maybe you’ve never had kids, but you notice something feels “off” down there, almost like something is sitting in your vaginal canal that shouldn’t be.

If that sounds familiar, you may be experiencing a pelvic organ prolapse (POP). I know that sounds scary, but you are not alone – and it does not mean your life is over or your body has failed you. It simply means your organs need some love, support, and retraining to find their way home again.

What Is a Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more organs (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend lower than they should inside the vaginal canal. It’s not that they “fall out,” but rather that the supportive walls of the vagina have become stretched, weak, or dehydrated over time.

Here are the most common types:

• Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse): The front wall of the vagina (which supports the bladder) gets saggy, and the bladder starts to push downward.
• Rectocele (Rectal Prolapse): The back wall of the vagina softens, and the rectum pushes inward.
• Uterine Prolapse: The uterus begins to descend into the vaginal canal – more common after menopause but can happen at any age.

You can also have a urethrocystocele, where the urethra moves downward with or without the bladder.

The Truth About Prolapse: It’s More Common Than You Think

Research varies, but studies show that up to 2 in 3 women who give birth experience some degree of pelvic organ descent. Clinically, I see it all the time – and most of the time, it’s completely manageable and reversible with the right care.

You can have a prolapse and have zero symptoms. You can also live your most active, joyful, and powerful life – running, lifting, playing, laughing – even with a prolapse.

I was personally diagnosed with a grade 2–3 cystocele before having my three children, and guess what? I still play hockey, climb mountains, and lift heavy weights. It doesn’t control my life, because I’ve learned how to support and strengthen my body in alignment.

Why Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer

Many women are told surgery is their only option. But the research shows that up to 40% of prolapse surgeries fail or create new symptoms, like urinary incontinence. And once surgery creates more scar tissue, it can actually make mobility and healing harder long-term.

Before considering surgery, it’s worth trying natural, holistic approaches – because the body is capable of incredible healing when given the right tools.

How to Begin Healing Naturally

Here’s the empowering part – there’s so much you can do:

1. Stop Over-Squeezing: Constant Kegels can make things worse. If your pelvic organs have descended below the level of the pelvic floor, tightening only pushes them down further.
2. Open the Bowl: Think of your pelvic floor like a bowl. If you tighten it too much, you’re squeezing your organs downward. Learning to relax, open, and lengthen the pelvic floor gives the organs space to move back up.
3. Control Your Core Pressure: Breathwork is powerful. Learn to “blow before you go” – exhale before lifting, squatting, or exerting. This helps manage intra-abdominal pressure so you’re not pushing downward on your organs.
4. Work With a Pelvic Expert PT: Internal muscle release, scar tissue mobilization, and deep core retraining can restore alignment and support.

Your Body Can Heal

Pelvic organ prolapse isn’t a sentence – it’s a signal. Your body is asking for better balance, breath, and support. With the right therapy and mindset, you can reclaim your confidence, movement, and joy – no matter your stage of life.

If you’re ready to stop living in fear of your prolapse and start living fully again, reach out to our team at Body Motion Physical Therapy. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and free in your body. 💫

For More Information Check Out My Video “Cystocele, Rectocele & More: Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse” CLICK HERE TO WATCH