“I Thought It Was Just Aging”

When Pelvic Heaviness Signals Prolapse

It’s easy to brush off that feeling of heaviness in your pelvis as "just part of getting older."

But what if it's something more?

Pelvic heaviness that worsens as the day goes on—especially if you’re on your feet a lot or lifting—can be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition where one or more pelvic organs shift downward due to lack of support from the pelvic floor.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) become weak or stretched. This allows the organs to press into or even descend outside of the vaginal canal.

Common Signs You Might Not Realize Are Prolapse:

• A sensation of pressure or "fullness" in the pelvic area

• Feeling like something is falling out

• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels

• Heaviness that worsens as the day goes on and eases after lying down

Why It’s Not Just Aging

While age and childbirth can increase your risk, prolapse isn’t a guarantee with either. It’s a sign of dysfunction, not inevitability.

Weak or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles, chronic constipation, high-impact movement, and even certain breathing patterns can all play a role.

What You Can Do

The good news? Prolapse is often manageable without surgery. Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you:

• Improve support through targeted movement

• Learn how to manage pressure during daily tasks

• Feel more confident and in control of your body

If you’ve been living with heaviness or pressure and thought it was just something you had to deal with, it’s time to check in with your pelvic floor.