Pelvic organ prolapse is commonly defined as the descent of a pelvic organ from its normal anatomical position within the pelvis. The organs that most commonly prolapse are the bladder, the uterus, and the rectum. These organs are suspended by ligaments within a web of fascia. To help with visualizing this, let’s consider an analogy. Let’s compare the uterus to a cruise ship sitting in the harbor. The ligaments that connect the uterus to the pelvis are the ropes holding the ship to the dock, and the pelvic floor muscles are the water. In a normal situation, the water provides the primary support for the ship, which enable the ropes to keep it connected to the dock. In the same way, the pelvic floor muscles, specifically the levator ani, provide a supportive shelf for the pelvic organs, and their ligaments provide a secure connection to the pelvis.
If for some reason the water level drops too low, the ropes then become responsible for supporting the ship as well as keeping it in place. This will result in the ropes breaking. Within the pelvic floor, damage or weakness to the levator ani is analogous to the decrease in water level. If the levator ani are too weak to provide enough support to the pelvic organs, this responsibility will shift to the ligaments and fascia, resulting in disruption to these tissues and descent of the organs, otherwise known as prolapse.
Pelvic floor muscle training can be a very beneficial way of reducing symptoms of prolapse by improving the strength and support provided by the pelvic floor muscles. Give us a call today to see if pelvic floor physical therapy can help you; don’t miss the boat!
Wei, J.T, and DeLancey, J.O.L. (2004). Functional Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor and Lower Urinary Tract. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 47(1), pp.3-17.