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Many women* notice changes in their pelvic support at different stages of life. Pelvic organ prolapse is common and can usually be managed and improved.
We explain what prolapse is, the signs to look for and the steps you can take to support your pelvic health. This information is designed for women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, including those who have had children or are moving through menopause.
* References to ‘women’ or ‘men’ include anyone with similar health needs, regardless of sex at birth or gender identity. Read our Gender inclusivity statement.
About pelvic organ prolapse
The pelvic organs include the:
- bladder – where urine (wee) is stored
- bowel – where faeces (poo) are made
- uterus (womb).
These organs are held in place within the pelvis by strong muscles and tissues called the pelvic floor. If these supports are stretched or weakened, one or more organs can drop from their position and press into the vagina (birth canal). This is called a pelvic floor prolapse (POP).
Prolapse is a common experience for many women and can affect how the bladder and bowel work, sometimes leading to small leaks or difficulty fully emptying when using the toilet.
If you notice these changes, this could be a sign of incontinence. Incontinence affects people of all ages, genders, cultures and backgrounds and can be prevented, managed and often cured.
Changes you might notice
Even if it feels like ‘just a little’ or manageable, small pelvic organ changes are worth noticing as early action can help prevent bigger issues. Common changes include:
- a heavy or dragging feeling in the vagina
- a feeling of something ‘coming down’ or a lump bulging out of the vagina
- pain or discomfort during sex
- trouble emptying the bladder (wee) or bowel (poo)
- frequent urinary tract infections
- pain in the lower back
- weak or interrupted urine (wee) flow.
These symptoms may change throughout the day, often feeling more uncomfortable when you’re tired or have been on your feet for a while. Many women find that these feelings ease with rest and lying down.
If you’re noticing these changes, now is a good time to talk to a nurse continence specialist, pelvic floor physiotherapist or GP (doctor) to help you understand what your body needs and explore management options that suit you.
1 in 2 women who have had a baby experience some level of prolapse and many find that the right support makes a real difference.
Types of prolapse and what they mean
Understanding the different ways pelvic organs can shift or press into the vagina can help you feel informed and reassured as you explore options that suit your body and your goals.
Normal pelvic organs
This first diagram shows the pelvic organs when there is no prolapse.
Cystocele (prolapse of bladder)
The bladder can drop and press into the front wall of the vagina. This often related to childbirth, ongoing pressure such as heavy lifting or family history.
Rectocele (prolapse of back passage)
The lower bowel (rectum) can drop and press into the back wall of the vagina. This can develop when constipation or frequent straining puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor.
Enterocele (prolapse of small bowel)
The small bowel (small intestine) can drop and press onto the top of the vagina. This often happens after vaginal surgery such as a hysterectomy (removal of the womb), when the top of the vagina is not as strong.
Uterine (prolapse of the womb)
The uterus may drop into the vagina when the supporting tissues and pelvic floor muscles become stretched or weakened. This is the most common type of prolapse and often follows childbirth, especially after multiple vaginal births. While caesarean births may reduce this risk, they come with other considerations that should be discussed with your doctor or midwife.
Factors that may contribute to uterine prolapse include:
- menopause
- long‑term coughing such as with asthma or smoking
- heavy lifting
- constipation and straining
- connective tissue conditions such as Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome or joint hypermobility
- family history of prolapse.
Prolapse can also happen in women who haven’t given birth, especially when regular straining or lifting is involved. Sometimes, more than one organ can shift at the same time. These are common experiences and support is available.
Practical steps to manage prolapse
There are many ways to support your pelvic floor to manage prolapse from simple daily habits to pelvic floor exercises, support devices and a range of medical and surgical options.
The best approach is finding what feels right for you, your body and your goals.
Non-surgical options you can start with
You can support your pelvic health at any stage of life with simple, effective steps.
1. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
Regular pelvic floor muscle training can help to support and strengthen the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs. A pelvic floor physiotherapist or nurse continence specialist can provide guidance with your technique before, during or after pregnancy and childbirth, during perimenopause and menopause, or anytime you notice a change in your pelvic floor health.
Pelvic floor exercises are a learned skill that involve gently tightening, lifting, holding and fully relaxing the muscles. Learning the correct technique can make a meaningful difference.
It can also be helpful to brace (squeeze) your pelvic floor muscles during daily activities that place pressure on the pelvic area such as lifting, sneezing, jumping or high impact exercise.
Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free advice on how to exercise and relax your pelvic floor muscles, or to find a continence health service near you.
2. Everyday habits that support your pelvic health
Simple habits can support your pelvic floor, bladder and bowel health:
– eat foods high in fibre such as wholegrains, fruits and vegetables
– drink when you feel thirsty – water is best
– reduce alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks if they worsen symptoms
– move your body (exercise) every day
– ask for help with heavy lifting – to protect your pelvic floor
– practice good toilet habits – go when you feel the urge, sit comfortably on the toilet (see diagram), take your time and relax – don’t strain.
3. Get support when you need it
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help. Early support can help you understand your options and choose what feels right for you such as the use of:
- a pessary – a soft silicone device fitted into the vagina to support the organs
- vaginal oestrogen which can be prescribed by your doctor
- 6-month pelvic floor rehabilitation program prescribed by your pelvic health physiotherapist.
Surgical options to treat prolapse
If symptoms are affecting the activities that matter to you, surgery may be an option to consider.
If surgery is the best option for you, it can be performed through the abdomen (tummy), through the vagina or using keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic techniques.
Your doctor can discuss surgical options available to you and help you decide on a plan that feels right for you.
After surgery
After surgery, caring for your pelvic health in simple, sustainable ways can support your healing and help you return to the activities that matter most to you:
- prioritise regular pelvic floor exercises, guided by a pelvic health physiotherapist, to rebuild muscle and tissue strength
- continue to eat a high fibre diet to keep your bowels regular. This will help reduce constipation and straining when passing faeces (poo)
- take care with heavy lifting or high impact exercise while you recover, gradually increasing what you do, supported by guidance from your health professional
- see your doctor for treatment for long-term coughing.
These steps can support your recovery and help you return to your usual activities safely.
‘These strategies I hadn’t thought of were brilliant – so valuable and comforting. I now feel like I have a plan and there is light at the end of the tunnel.’
National Continence Helpline caller, June 2025
Tracking progress
Everyone’s body responds differently, but many women notice gradual changes when they practise pelvic floor exercises and healthy daily habits.
Try a quick weekly check to track your progress:
- Did I do pelvic floor exercises most days this week?
- Was I able to avoid straining on the toilet?
- Were there fewer ‘just in case’ toilet trips or accidental leaks?
- Did I use a good toileting position?
- Am I eating enough high-fibre foods?
- Did I increase my movement this week at a pace that felt manageable for me?
- Did I notice any changes in prolapse symptoms – improved comfort, less heaviness or more confidence?
If things don’t change after a few weeks or if new symptoms appear, it can help to check in with a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or your GP for guidance.
Need help now?
- Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. It’s free and confidential and staffed by nurse continence specialists. They can give advice and help you find a continence health professional near you. You can ask for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- Find a service provider near you
- National Public Toilet Map – more than 25,000 facilities around Australia.
Resources
PDFs you can download. Some are available to order in print format.
This content has been reviewed by subject matter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.
