Hello friends! Have you been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse? While this can be an intimidating diagnosis, you can still live a fulfilling life with prolapse. You may wonder is it safe to have sex and intimacy with prolapse, and you may have many questions. Can your partner see your prolapse? Will sex hurt? And more. This week we are going to answer all of your prolapse and intimacy questions.
First and foremost, know that: You are beautiful. You are sexy. Prolapse did not change that.
What is Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is the descent of the bladder, cervix, or rectum into the vaginal canal due to insufficient support. This quick video below described prolapse, or you can read more on prolapse here.
Is it Safe to Have Sex with Prolapse?
Yes! Sex with prolapse is not dangerous. For many individuals, sex with prolapse is better than it ever was before! During an orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles rhythmically contract and can act like a “car wash” for your pelvic floor. This can help with other prolapse symptoms, like pelvic heaviness.
*Disclaimer: This does not constitute medical advice for you. See your healthcare provider to be evaluated, especially if you are postpartum.
Will My Partner See My Prolapse?
It’s not impossible, but it is highly unlikely for your partner to be able to see your prolapse. It often takes advanced training to identify and stage a prolapse. In fact, even medical providers sometimes miss the prolapse or only see it in standing versus lying down.
For your partner to be able to see your perineum (area around the outside of the vagina), you will likely be lying down. When you are lying down, your pelvic organs are in a gravity neutral position (this means that gravity is not pulling them down towards the vaginal canal. This means that your partner most likely won’t be able to see your prolapse. Even if your partner does see a small bit of pink tissues, would it bother them? They will likely not be able to tell that it is prolapsed tissue.
If you’re comfortable, talk with your partner about it. But if you aren’t comfortable with it, your prolapse will likely go unnoticed during sex for many years (maybe forever) without your partner noticing it.
Positioning for Sex with Prolapse
Adjusting your positions during sex can help with prolapse. You can use gravity to help assist the prolapse back and away from the vaginal canal. Using a pillow under your hips to lift your pelvis can help with this. *Warning, this may increase queefs.
For even more tips on sex and positioning with prolapse, watch the video below.
Other Tips for Sex with Prolapse
Use plenty of lubricant
Know that you are beautiful
Empty your bladder and bowels beforehand. It’s no fun to have a sloshy bladder or full rectum, and they take up less space when they are empty
As long as you aren’t having pain, gently squeezing your PFM DURING penetration may increase pleasure for both of you.
Stimulate your clitoris! Most female bodies need that to achieve orgasm.
Sex isn’t just penetration. There are plenty of ways to be intimate.
Consider morning sex. Many times people feel more prolapse symptoms towards the end of the day.
Take your time! There is no bonus for who gets there first.
Here are some great resources to help you with prolapse:
Join our Power Over Prolapse online course
Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a pelvic therapist to help you exercise safely and to prevent any pelvic floor symptoms.
Watch our YouTube playlist on Prolapse and the PFM
Learn more about the pelvic floor muscles with our book: My Pelvic Floor Muscles The Basics
Sign up for our email newsletter!
For providers, check our online courses to help your clients. Consider joining our Ambassador Program and most of our courses are included with your membership!
Sexual Interviewing with Dr. Uchenna Ossai, PT
Female Sexual Function, Dysfunction, and Pain with Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT
An Overview of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction with Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT
Pelvic Floor Therapy Management & Treatment for PGAD/GPD (Persistent genital arousal disorder/genito-pelvic dysesthesia) with April Patterson, PT, MSPT
Written by Emily Reul, PT, DPT