Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects far more women than many people realise — yet it remains rarely discussed. Whether it occurs after pregnancy or at another stage of life, prolapse is nothing to be embarrassed about. And the good news is: there are effective options beyond surgery.
What is a prolapse?
A prolapse happens when one or more pelvic organs — the bladder, bowel, uterus, or vaginal wall — slip out of their normal position and press into or towards the vagina. It can cause a heavy or dragging sensation in the lower abdomen, discomfort during intercourse, or a feeling that "something is falling out."
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
💡 Up to 50% of women who have given birth experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse — though many remain undiagnosed.
Can Perifit help?
For grade 1 and grade 2 prolapse (mild to moderate), pelvic floor rehabilitation is widely recognised as the first line of treatment before considering surgery. Research consistently shows that targeted pelvic floor exercises can:
- Reduce prolapse symptoms
- Improve pelvic organ support
- Help prevent the prolapse from progressing
Perifit's dedicated Prolapse Programme is designed precisely for this. It helps you work on the key dimensions of each pelvic floor contraction: strength, control, endurance, relaxation, and overall contraction quality.
💡 We recommend consulting a healthcare professional — such as a women's health physiotherapist — before beginning, as prolapse grades vary. Perifit may not be suitable for all cases.
What to expect from the Prolapse Programme
With consistent training, many users report:
- A reduction in the heavy or dragging sensation
- Greater confidence in daily activities
- Better pelvic support and comfort
The goal is not just symptom relief — it is about giving you back a sense of freedom in your own body.
The importance of breathing correctly
One of the most common mistakes when doing pelvic floor exercises is increasing intra-abdominal pressure — which can actually make prolapse symptoms worse.
Think of your pelvic floor as a hammock supporting your pelvic organs. It works in coordination with your diaphragm:
- When you inhale, the diaphragm and pelvic floor naturally lower
- When you exhale, they both rise
The key is to work with this natural movement: contract your pelvic floor on the exhale, and relax on the inhale. Avoid holding your breath, clenching your buttocks, or squeezing your thighs — these compensatory movements are very common and tend to increase downward pressure rather than support.
How to identify your pelvic floor muscles
Finding the right muscles takes practice. Try imagining you are:
- Stopping the flow of urine mid-stream (do not practise this while actually on the loo)
- Holding in wind
- Lifting your pelvic floor muscles upwards, towards your head
If you are unsure whether you are contracting correctly, a women's health physiotherapist or specialist midwife can guide you in person.
Perifit can be a valuable tool for managing mild to moderate prolapse, provided it is used correctly and with guidance where needed. Start gently, focus on your breathing, and give your body time to respond.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, always seek advice from your GP or a specialist before continuing.
