Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month

In recognition of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Awareness Month, we at StressNoMore are joining forces with SRC, a leading organisation dedicated to advancing women's health through evidence-based treatments and education. Together, we aim to shed light on the critical and often overlooked issue of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing significant physical discomfort and severely impacting quality of life. Despite its prevalence, awareness and understanding of POP remain limited, resulting in underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Pelvic Organ Prolapse, commonly abbreviated as POP, is an issue that remains insufficiently discussed. Women experiencing POP often describe it in various ways, including:

“I have a lump down there."
“I have a dragging sensation in my vagina, especially when I stand for extended periods.”
“I feel a vaginal lump when I shower or wipe after passing urine.”

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

POP symptoms can be debilitating and include:

A heavy sensation or dragging feeling in the vagina
A feeling that something is ‘coming down' in the vagina or a lump in the vagina
A lump bulging out of the vagina that is visible or palpable
Discomfort or pain during intercourse
Incomplete bladder emptying
Weaker urine stream
Recurring urinary tract infections
Difficulty emptying the bowel

What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)?

POP occurs when the bladder, uterus, or rectum falls through the vaginal opening due to pelvic floor weakness. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

Vaginal deliveries and childbirth
Aging and menopause
Obesity
Constipation
Heavy lifting
Persistent cough

Prevalence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Many women first learn about POP through their mothers, some of whom may have undergone reconstructive surgery to reposition their organs. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of women experience POP themselves after childbirth. Unlike previous generations, more women are now openly discussing and writing about their experiences, as seen in books like “The Day My Vagina Broke: What They Don't Tell You about Childbirth” by Stephanie Thompson and “Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic” by Sherrie Palm.

Research and Statistics on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

According to research by Elvie.com:

Almost half of women report symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, such as involuntary urination when coughing, laughing, or sneezing.
57% of women never tell anyone about their pelvic floor pain.
72% will never seek treatment for their pelvic floor pain.

Breaking the Silence and Stigma

Historically, the lack of open discussion about POP has led many women to feel isolated, thinking they were the “only one” with this condition. This silence resulted in a lack of support and the stigmatisation of POP. While not dangerous, pelvic floor weakness can erode confidence and diminish everyday quality of life. Women often stop exercising due to the worsening of symptoms with activities involving impact, such as running or jumping, or weight-bearing exercises like sit-ups or squats. Many also avoid sex, fearing that prolapse or incontinence will repulse their partners.

At StressNoMore, we emphasise the importance of raising awareness about Pelvic Organ Prolapse and encouraging women to seek early diagnosis and treatment. Addressing POP can lead to significant improvements in physical comfort and overall quality of life. Let’s work together to break the silence, reduce stigma, and support women’s health.

Introducing SRC Restore; a non-invasive treatment for POP and SUI

The SRC Restore Incontinence and Prolapse Compression Support Shorts have been expertly designed to treat those with Stage 1 and 2 stress urinary incontinence, as well as those with stage 1 uterine or bladder prolapse (cystocele). They may also reduce the chance of those suffering with stress urinary incontinence developing pelvic organ prolapse in the future.

Expertly engineered to target the cause rather than the symptoms, this clever compression underwear activates the pelvic floor muscles, strengthening them for long lasting results. In fact, 70% of women surveyed recorded an improvement in their urinary incontinence score.

Designed by women for women, in conjunction with qualified obstetricians, the SRC Restore Incontinence and Prolapse Compression Support Shorts are recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide. The patented anatomical support panels work in alliance with one another to fully stabilise the pelvis, while the soft waist is narrow and non-restrictive, ensuring that these compression pants are completely comfortable to wear.

Complete with a back panel to support the lumbosacral area, a triple layer gusset panel to apply even compression to the entire perineal area, an abdominal panel to support the area from the umbilicus to the pubic bone and a leg panel for ease of use and discretion when worn underneath clothing, this unique underwear is unlike anything else currently available.

Get 20% off the SRC Health Restore Incontinence and Prolapse Compression Support Shorts and other items in the SRC range as part of our ‘Prioritise Your Pelvic Health’ offer this month! Use code: STRONG24 at the checkout.

Here is one of the many five star reviews on this breakthrough product:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Blown away!

I bought the restore shorts, as I was experiencing some urinary urgency throughout the day, constantly feeling I had to go, but then only doing a little wee. Also loosing a few drops sometimes when sneezing with a full bladder. I also had a real heavy, full feeling in my lower pelvis, exercise made it worse. I thought I’d give these a go before going the medical route, and I’m blown away that all these symptoms have disappeared within days. The shorts are not tight, and allow you to breathe deep into your belly without restriction. They just feel like a gentle support around my hips, just perfect. It feels like after wearing them 24/7 for a few weeks now, that my pelvic floor muscles are already stronger, like everything is working properly again. Highly recommended!