The POPPY (pelvic, organ, prolapse, physiotherapy) trial is studying the effects of physiotherapy-supervised pelvic floor exercises versus lifestyle to treat the condition.

Prolapse of a pelvic organ, such as the bladder, womb or bowel, is very common and occurs in 40 to 50 percent of women who have given birth, said Kate Moore.

Associate Professor Moore said the most common symptom was feeling a "bulge or lump'' in the vagina.

"Many women also find their bladder, bowel or sexual function may be affected,'' she said. "Symptoms of prolapse can impact significantly on a woman's quality of life.''

Thirty women from the area will take part and the results will be added to the worldwide study.

Professor Moore said the aim was to determine whether pelvic floor muscle exercises or lifestyle advice were the more effective treatment. "To date, the most common treatments for prolapse have been surgery or pessary (an internal support device), but conservative therapies [such as] pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle advice have been shown to be helpful in a few small studies,'' she said.

The pelvic floor unit is also looking for 80 women for a stress-induced incontinence study. Physiotherapist Wendy Hughes said half the group would be treated with physio while the rest would use an electromagnetic chair which uses small electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce incontinence.

Details: 9113 2272.