If you've developed POP due to obesity, there are several steps that we might recommend. First, weight loss is your frontline treatment for preventing prolapse and easing symptoms of existing prolapse. As well, we recommend pelvic floor exercises to beef up the strength of this supportive tissue.
A study from Vanderbilt University in Nashville found that the risk factor for prolapse for overweight women compared to normal-weight women ranged from 1.36 to 1.40. For obese women, the risk ratio range increased to 1.47 to 1.61.
Research shows that overweight women who lose as little as 5 percent of their body weight can lessen or prevent pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence and prolapse. It's no secret, maintaining a healthy BMI (body mass index) positively affects just about every aspect of your personal health.
It was also found that the risk of prolapse progression in overweight women when compared to women with a normal BMI increased by 48 percent for a bladder prolapse, 58 percent for rectal prolapse and by 69 percent for a uterine prolapse.
Pelvic floor exercises can improve the symptoms in mild and moderate cases (first- to third-degree prolapse) and sometimes also prevent the organs from slipping down further. The beneficial effects may already be noticeable after a few weeks. But these exercises don't always help.
For some women, their prolapse gets worse over time. For others, their prolapse will stay the same with conservative treatment options. Prolapse generally does not improve without surgery, but symptoms can be managed with less invasive treatment options.
Most women only have a mild prolapse that may even go away again after a few months or years. But it might gradually get worse over time. About half of all women who have a mild (first-grade or second-grade) pelvic organ prolapse also leak urine sometimes.
Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs (your womb, bladder or bowel) slip from their usual position. This causes the vaginal wall to bulge into, or out of, the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse isn't life-threatening. In some cases it can cause little or no problems.
To Lose Weight
Losing weight is recommended in most prolapse management programmes, but most weight loss exercise is too high impact for a woman with a prolapse. Great low impact exercises that still allow you to break a sweat include: cycling. swimming and aqua aerobics.
Treating pelvic organ prolapse
First, weight loss is your frontline treatment for preventing prolapse and easing symptoms of existing prolapse. As well, we recommend pelvic floor exercises to beef up the strength of this supportive tissue.
When you cough the pressure generated by your strong upper abdominal muscles is transferred downwards onto your pelvic floor. One severe bout of coughing with an acute chest infection can cause prolapse worsening. Manage your cough by: Working with a health professional to manage your chronic cough e.g. asthma.
Will Sex Feel the Same for My Partner? It is very difficult for anyone who's not a gynaecologist to see or feel a prolapse. You may feel like it's the most prominent part of your body because you are so focused on it at the moment, but rest assured that your partner will be far more interested in the rest of your body.
Risk factors for bladder prolapse
being overweight. chronic cough secondary to smoker's cough or chronic lung diseases. repetitive lifting of children or heavy weights at work or in the gym, or any exercises where there is excessive downward pressure on the pelvic floor. pelvic or gynaecological surgery.
Resistance training exercise is safe to perform when you have a prolapse and lifting heavy weights does not increase the prevalence of prolapse symptoms. In a study by Forner et al, prolapse symptoms were studied in groups of women who regularly lifted weights.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissue in your pelvis weaken. The weakness lets the uterus drop down into your vagina. Sometimes, it comes out through your vaginal opening. Nearly half of all women between ages 50 and 79 have this condition.
What type of exercise is best for pelvic organ prolapse? Aerobic exercises three to five times a week (walking, cycling, swimming etc). Aerobic exercise helps your cardiovascular system, muscles, tendons and ligaments to stay strong and will also help you maintain to the correct weight (BMI) for your height and age.
The good news is that MOST exercise is generally safe, even when you have a prolapse. Now, life everything in life there is a catch. You and I may be similar in a lot of ways, but we are also both different. So what works (and doesn't work) for me, may actually work for you.
The longer you sit during the day, the more pressure you exert on the “hammock,” causing damage to your pelvic floor. This can lead to: Pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic organ prolapse.
Exercise is not inherently dangerous or safe for prolapse. It's how your body responds to that particular choice of exercise. Squats CAN be a very safe and helpful exercise for the pelvic floor. Lifting CAN be helpful for promoting prolapse recovery!
Swimming is an incredibly low impact exercise, hence very safe for the pelvic floor, and also a great cardio workout! If you aren't a confident swimmer, walking laps in the pool is a great option.
Changes in diet often are enough to improve or reverse a partial prolapse. Do Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area. You do Kegel exercises by tightening the muscles you use when you urinate. Don't strain during a bowel movement.
Uterine prolapse can disrupt normal activities and be uncomfortable. Very mild cases may not require treatment or cause any discomfort. However, severe cases may make it difficult to pee or have a normal bowel movement.
With regard to pelvic organ prolapse, Dr. Mahajan says it's very common and often does not require treatment. About 40 percent of women ages 50 to 79 have some form of prolapse, according to the Women's Health Initiative.