How Do You Prevent A Prolapse From Getting Worse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and, in severe cases, urinary incontinence. However, there are several effective strategies that can help prevent your prolapse from worsening or even improve your pelvic floor health. In this detailed guide on how to prevent a prolapse from getting worse, we'll explore the various options and steps you can take to regain control of your pelvic floor muscles, improve your quality of life, and reduce the impact of this frustrating condition. So, read on to learn more and be sure to share this helpful information with others who could benefit from these essential tips!

pelvic floor exercises

Strength training for your pelvic floor muscles is the first step in preventing prolapse from worsening. kegel exercises or pelvic floor muscle training can help improve muscle tone, support your pelvic organs, and prevent or improve mild to moderate prolapse. To perform kegel exercises, follow these steps:

• Identify your pelvic floor muscles by stopping the flow of urine midway during urination. These are the muscles you'll focus on during your exercises.
• Contract your pelvic floor muscles for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times per session.
• Perform 3-4 sets of kegel exercises daily, gradually increasing the duration of the contractions as you gain strength over time.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Making some simple lifestyle changes can also help prevent your prolapse from getting worse. These changes include:

Maintain a healthy body weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken and worsen prolapse symptoms.

Avoid constipation: Straining during bowel movements can strain your pelvic floor muscles, contributing to prolapse. Ensure that you maintain a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly to promote regular bowel movements.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to chronic coughing, which can increase pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, making your prolapse worse.

Physical Therapy

Consulting with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor therapy can be extremely beneficial in helping you develop a personalized exercise plan that specifically targets your pelvic floor muscles. They can guide you through a tailored exercise program and provide essential techniques to maintain progress in preventing your prolapse from worsening.

Pessary

A pessary is a silicone or rubber vaginal insert that provides support to the prolapsed organ, preventing it from worsening. A healthcare provider can fit a pessary for short-term use, such as during physically demanding activities, or for longer-term use to manage your prolapse.

Surgical Intervention

If your prolapse worsens despite conservative treatment measures or significantly affects your quality of life, surgical intervention may be necessary. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your case and recommend the appropriate surgical procedures based on the severity of your prolapse and factors like age, overall health, and desire for future childbearing.

Example

Anne is a 45-year-old woman who recently gave birth to her third child. She starts noticing a feeling of heaviness in her pelvic area, along with urinary incontinence. Anne consults her healthcare provider, who diagnoses her with a mild pelvic organ prolapse. Her provider recommends a combination of pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy to prevent her prolapse from getting worse. By following her provider's advice and staying committed to her exercise routine, Anne notices significant improvements in her pelvic floor strength and reduced prolapse symptoms.

Taking control of your pelvic floor health is critical to prevent a prolapse from getting worse or even reverse existing symptoms. With commitment to pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can take charge of your body and improve your overall quality of life. Don't forget to share this invaluable guide with others who may be experiencing similar challenges, and explore our other articles on Pelvic Floor Therapy for more essential tips and tricks!