A feeling of heaviness or dragging low down. The sense that something is sitting where it shouldn’t, or a bulge you can feel in the shower. It’s often worse at the end of the day or after you’ve been on your feet.
Finding this can be frightening, and many women tell no one. Prolapse is common, it isn’t dangerous, and there is a good deal that can be done without surgery.
Does this sound familiar?
- Heaviness, dragging or aching in the vagina or lower tummy
- A bulge or lump you can feel or see, often more noticeable later in the day
- Feeling that you have not fully emptied your bladder or bowel
- Leaking, or needing to go more often
- Discomfort during sex, or a feeling that a tampon will not stay in place
- Symptoms that ease when you lie down
What's usually going on
A prolapse happens when the bladder, womb or bowel sits lower than usual and presses into the vagina, because the muscles and tissues that support them have been stretched or weakened. Pregnancy and birth, the menopause, long-term constipation or coughing, and repeated heavy lifting can all contribute.
Prolapse is described by how far things have moved, from mild to more advanced. Many women have a mild prolapse with few or no symptoms. How it feels doesn’t always match what is found on examination, which is why an assessment matters more than guessing.
What can help
- Pelvic floor muscle training. A supervised programme is recommended in national guidance as a first treatment for prolapse symptoms, and many women find heaviness and dragging improve.
- Easing the pressure from above. Managing constipation, changing how you lift and breathe, and treating a long-term cough all reduce the strain on a prolapse.
- Exercise you can keep doing. Most women can stay active. We will help you find what suits you and how to build up.
- Knowing your other options. A vaginal pessary, fitted by a GP, specialist nurse or gynaecologist, helps many women, and surgery is an option for some. We can explain these and write to your GP if a referral would help.
Physiotherapy doesn’t move the organs back to where they were, but it often reduces symptoms and helps stop things getting worse.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes, in a private room. We’ll ask about your symptoms, bladder and bowel habits, pregnancies and births, and what you’d like to be able to do. With your consent, an internal examination lets us see how your pelvic floor is working and what kind of prolapse you have. It is always your choice.
You’ll leave with a clear explanation of what we found, what you can do about it and exercises to start.
When to see your GP first
- Bleeding after the menopause, between periods or after sex
- Being unable to pass urine, or repeated urine infections
- A bulge that is painful, or that you cannot gently ease back
- Blood in your urine or from your back passage
Who you'll see
Prolapse is seen here by our women’s health physiotherapist. Jodie Pargeter is our women’s health physiotherapist and co-founder of The Health Hub, with over 20 years’ experience in NHS and private practice. She is a certified Mummy MOT® practitioner and is trained in APPI Clinical Pilates.
Jodie Pargeter
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist,
Women’s Health Specialist,
Restore C-section Scar Specialist
APPI Pilates trained
Jodie is co-founder of The Health Hub and a chartered physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience in NHS and private practice. She leads our women’s health physiotherapy service, supporting women through pregnancy, recovery after birth and long-term pelvic health.
She is a certified Mummy MOT® practitioner, trained in RESTORE C-section scar therapy and APPI Clinical Pilates, and uses real-time ultrasound to help you see and learn how your deep core muscles are working.
Prices and insurance
- Women’s health initial consultation (60 minutes): £94
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £74
No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Insurer recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
The questions women most often ask us about prolapse.
- Is a prolapse dangerous?
-
No. It can be uncomfortable and worrying, but it isn’t life-threatening, and many women manage it well without surgery.
- Can physiotherapy cure a prolapse?
-
It doesn’t move the organs back, but pelvic floor training often reduces symptoms such as heaviness and dragging, and can help stop a prolapse getting worse.
- Will I need surgery?
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Most women don’t. Pelvic floor training, lifestyle changes and pessaries help many women, and surgery is usually considered only if those haven’t helped enough.
- Can I still exercise or run with a prolapse?
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Often, yes. It depends on your symptoms and your pelvic floor. We’ll help you find the right level and build up from there.
- Do I have to have an internal examination?
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No. It gives the clearest picture, but it is always your choice.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If heaviness or a bulge has been worrying you, it’s worth having it assessed. Book online or call us on 01444 817851.
Reviewed by Jodie Pargeter, women’s health physiotherapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Last reviewed November 2026.
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