Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is common affecting about 1 in 3 women who have had children. Many women do not seek help until their symptoms become very bothersome. Women tend to experience these symptoms due to childbirth or the menopause but it can happen at any time in a women's life.  Although it is common it is not something that should be put up with and Physiotherapy can improve symptoms.

Common causes of prolapse:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Obesity and being overweight
• Heavy lifting
• Family history
• Age
• Menopausal changes
• Constipation
• Chronic cough
• Previous pelvic surgery

Services available

• Prolapse group: New group, please enquire when we contact you with an appointment
• One-to-one physiotherapy appointment
• Lifestyle advice and management options
• Pelvic assessment with advice and recommendations for pelvic floor rehabilitation and muscle training

Physiotherapy can help you if your pelvic floor muscles are weak. 

GP referral

Ask your GP to send a referral form to St Michael's pelvic health physiotherapy department.

Self-referral

Self-referral is another way of getting to see a physiotherapist. It means that you don't have to see your GP and wait for them to contact the physiotherapist. This service is available if you are female, over the age of 16 and have a pelvic floor problem.

Here are the links to the pelvic health self-referral forms for our different hospital sites.
Bristol hospital form
Weston hospital form

Leaflets

Tips for your bowel problems

Practical advice for prolapse

Websites

Pelvic organ prolapse - NHS

Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecology Physiotherapy (POGP) advice

Videos

Watch our video about pelvic floor muscle training