Imagine a sling of muscles making a hammock connecting your two sit bones, pubic bone and tail bone. This group of muscles is responsible for:

• Supporting abdominal and pelvic organs
• Controlling continence
• Urinating, defaecation, childbirth and sexual activity

Your pelvic organs – bladder, bowel and uterus are held by your pelvic floor muscle and pelvic ligaments. If this support structure is weakened, these organs can start to bulge or ‘slip’ through

SYMPTOMS:

• Women with a mild prolapse may have no symptoms
• A heavy or dragging sensation in the saddle area
• You may feel a bulge when you wipe yourself
• Pain or lack of sensation during sex
• Recurring urinary tract infections

CAUSES

• Pelvic floor weakness
• Genetic predisposition
• Childbirth – especially if baby is heavy (>4kg) or if forceps were used
• History of multiple natural vaginal deliveries
• Chronic coughing
• Excessive weight gain
• Repetitive heavy lifting