Feeling Pressure or Heaviness in Your Pelvis: Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

If you've been feeling a sense of heaviness, pressure, or fullness in your pelvic region, especially after standing for long periods, exercising, or lifting, you're not alone. These are common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)—a condition that affects millions of women, often silently. While it can be uncomfortable and even alarming, pelvic organ prolapse is treatable and, most importantly, manageable—especially with holistic pelvic floor therapy.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that are the foundation for the pelvic organs—like the bladder, uterus, rectum, and intestines—are no longer able to optimally support the tissues above them. This can cause one or more of these organs to drop (prolapse) into the vaginal canal, leading to symptoms such as:

• A sensation of pressure or “something falling out” in the pelvis or vagina

• Heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen

• Lower back discomfort

• Urinary incontinence or frequent urination

• Bowel changes or constipation

• Pain or discomfort during intercourse

• Visible bulge at the vaginal opening

What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

The most common contributors to POP include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth, especially vaginal deliveries

• Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements

• Heavy lifting or high-impact exercise

• Aging and hormonal changes, particularly after during perimenopause and after menopause

• After a pelvic surgery

• Chronic coughing (asthma, bronchitis, smoking-related cough)

All of these factors can place repeated stress on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction over time.

Why You Might Be Feeling Pelvic Pressure Right Now

Let’s decode what your body is trying to tell you:

• If you notice pressure by the end of the day, your pelvic floor muscles may be fatigued and not able to offer enough support.

• If the sensation increases with exercise, lifting, or standing, gravity and unmanaged intra-abdominal pressure may be pushing down on already compromised tissues.

• If the pressure is accompanied by urinary or bowel changes, it may indicate that the prolapse is impacting function of the organs.

How Holistic Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

As a pelvic floor therapist with a background in massage therapy and occupational therapy, I take a full-body, integrative approach to prolapse and pelvic dysfunction. My goal is to support your body’s natural healing while helping you understand what’s happening and why.

Here’s how we work together to restore pelvic balance:

Manual therapy, using hands-on techniques, to release muscular and fascial tension and integrate healing to restore optimal balance and function to the tissues. Pelvic floor exercises and breathwork to rebuild internal support. I will work with you to create a personal plan for pelvic floor exercises that you can do at home to build strength and support yourEducation on body mechanics to prevent further strain Myofascial release & core retraining to reestablish postural supportLifestyle & movement coaching for sustainable healing.

Signs It’s Time to Seek Pelvic Floor Therapy

If you’re experiencing any of the following, don’t wait to get support:

• Feeling like you’re sitting on a small ball or that something is “falling out”

• Ongoing pelvic pressure or heaviness, especially after movement

• Pain with intimacy or changes in your bladder/bowel habits

• Visible bulge or soft tissue near the vaginal opening

Remember, pelvic organ prolapse is not just a “normal” part of aging or postpartum recovery—it’s a sign from your body asking for support.

You Deserve to Feel Supported from the Inside Out

Pelvic pressure isn’t something to brush off or live with in silence. With the right guidance, therapy, and tools, you can feel strong, grounded, and empowered again—in your body, your core, and your everyday life.

Contact me today to get on the books for a Pelvic Floor evaluation and to book your first session: https://www.empoweredfoundations.com/contact.