Is This Normal? Signs of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Many Women Miss

You’re standing at the sink, folding laundry, or picking up a toddler when it hits you: that strange heaviness in your lower belly again.

Maybe it feels like pressure in your pelvis. Maybe like a tampon’s falling out—even though you’re not wearing one. Maybe you’ve Googled it. Maybe you haven’t dared to.

And maybe you’ve quietly wondered…
“Is this normal?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many women experience early symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) without knowing what it is, how to talk about it, or whether it’s something to worry about.

Let’s gently unpack what’s going on—so you can understand your body, feel less alone, and get the support you deserve.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when the muscles and connective tissues that hold up your pelvic organs—like the bladder, uterus, or rectum—become weakened or overstretched. This can allow one or more of those organs to shift downward into the vaginal canal.

It’s more common than you think—affecting up to 50% of women (and possibly even more) at some point in their lives. But even with that prevalence, POP is still surrounded by silence.

Why Awareness Matters (Even Among Providers)

Despite its prevalence, POP remains widely misunderstood—even among professionals who work in women’s health.

💬 “I had no idea what pelvic organ prolapse was before I had it myself. I had never heard of it.”
— Dr. Beth Olson, PT, DPT, PCES, on the lack of awareness—even within pelvic health education

This lack of exposure in medical training means many postpartum visits and annual exams miss or misidentify the signs. Women often walk away without answers—or worse, feeling dismissed.

7 Subtle Signs of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Many Women Miss

1. A Sense of Pelvic Heaviness or Pressure

It might feel like your insides are dragging downward or “hanging.” This sensation often worsens toward the end of the day or after lifting, walking, or being on your feet for long stretches.

2. A Bulging or Full Feeling in the Vagina

You may see or feel tissue at the vaginal opening—especially when standing or using a mirror. Some describe it as “something coming out” or “a tampon falling out.”

3. Trouble Fully Emptying Your Bladder

Incomplete voiding, leaking with sneezing/laughing, or needing to urinate frequently are common signs, particularly when the bladder is involved (a condition called cystocele).

4. Lower Back or Pelvic Pain Without a Clear Cause

Mild, nagging aches that feel muscular or like menstrual cramps may actually stem from internal organ descent.

5. The Sensation of Sitting on a Ball

Many women describe this as the most “strange” symptom. It often shows up while sitting or during menstruation.

6. Vaginal Dryness or Discomfort with Intimacy

This may not seem connected, but hormonal shifts plus structural changes from POP can cause discomfort or make intercourse feel different.

7. A Need to Adjust or “Push Up” Internally

If you feel the urge to lift or reposition something inside your vagina with your pelvic muscles or hand, that’s worth noting. It’s often an instinctive response to internal pressure.

You’re Not Overreacting—These Symptoms Are Real

“I distinctly remember crying while holding my screaming newborn because the heaviness in my pelvis made it so hard to move and comfort her.”
— Lauren Fleming, Hem Support Wear Founder

Prolapse doesn’t always show up dramatically. For many, it creeps in quietly and inconsistently—which is why it often goes unrecognized.

Even worse? When women do raise concerns, they’re often told:

• “That’s just part of postpartum recovery.”
• “Everything looks fine on exam.”
• “Let’s wait and see.”

It’s not in your head. It’s in your body. And there’s help.

Gentle First Steps You Can Take Today

✅ Do a Mirror Check

Using a hand mirror while standing can help you spot visible bulging or changes. Seeing something doesn’t mean it’s severe—it simply gives you more info to share.

✅ Track Patterns

Use our free pelvic health symptom tracker to track when you feel symptoms: time of day, activity level, phase of your cycle. This gives pelvic health providers more to work with than a one-time checkup can.

✅ Try a Pelvic Support Garment

Support garments like those from Hem Support Wear gently lift and compress the pelvic area. Many women report symptom relief with daily wear, especially during busy or active days.

✅ Connect with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist or Your Doctor

Pelvic floor PTs are specially trained to assess and treat prolapse conservatively. Many women find relief without surgery—just with education, breathwork, and targeted movement. Our Pelvic Health Resources include a directory of online & in-person pelvic floor PT providers, so you can find expert care that fits your life.

Not sure how to bring it up with your provider? You’re not alone. We created a gentle guide to help you start the conversation—with tips on what to say, how to advocate for yourself, and which questions can lead to more helpful answers.

What You’re Feeling Is Common—But You Deserve More Than “It’s Normal”

Pelvic organ prolapse isn’t your fault. It’s not the end of your story. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

“I thought I had a prolapse, but my provider dismissed it. Thankfully, I had access to a pelvic floor physical therapist who validated what I was feeling. That changed everything.”
— Hem Support Wear community story

At Hem Support Wear, we believe in being the first step—a soft place to land when you’re just starting to ask questions and want relief now, not “after it gets worse.”

You’re Not Broken. You’re Informed. You’re Supported.

Explore Next Steps:

• 👚 Shop Prolapse Support Garments
  
• 💌 Join our email list for real stories & expert tips
• 📚 Read more stories of women navigating pelvic health in our Hem Spotlight Series

About the Hem Support Wear Team

Meet Cristin, Lauren, and Alexa: a small, mission-driven team passionate about helping women feel supported, seen, and strong—especially when it comes to pelvic health. Hem was founded by Lauren Fleming, whose personal journey with prolapse sparked a mission to make healing feel less lonely and a whole lot more empowering.

**Medical Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide information and resources only. This post or any of the information contained within should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your healthcare, conditions, and recommended treatment.