Postpartum women have lots of questions and need patient education for pelvic organ prolapse. My clients often think they are alone with the symptoms, reporting a feeling of isolation or “feeling different” than other women in their pelvic region and genitals. One patient asked, “Does my vagina have stretch marks too?” Another reported, “It feels like I’m growing a testicle!”

Most of these women first consulted the internet when looking for answers about what they were feeling in their bodies. Internet searches for prolapse are plagued with what I call “doom and gloom” information, especially if you are a postpartum mom. Prolapse symptoms often cause women to stop or change exercise, daily activity routines and/or sexual activities. They report feeling less feminine and more self–conscious about their bodies. A new mother adjusting to changes in her body and trying to return it to its pre-pregnancy state needs to know all of her recovery options.

I’m delighted to provide a free informational handout on pelvic organ prolapse that introduces physical therapy as a first line of treatment. Please feel free to share it with your friends, patients, physicians and fellow therapists. If you are a pelvic health therapist interested in continuing education regarding prolapse recovery , please see my Teaching page.