Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a secretive, not often talked about thing. And yet last week every single day I ended up speaking with people about their prolapse so it just seemed destined that that is what I would write about today!
Prolapse is the descent of one or more internal organs that then push into the vaginal wall. There are different stages – mild, moderate to extending outside the body. There are many symptoms, many of which could be attributed to other ailments.
- Urinary incontinence or urine retention – feeling of never fully emptying bladder
- Constipation or faecal incontinence
- Feeling of dragging, like your insides are falling out or heaviness/ache in rectum/vagina
- Lump or bulge in vagina
- Inability to hold a tampon in
- Lower back or pelvis pain
- Vaginal/rectal pain
- Painful intercourse/lack of sensation
- Leakage of urine/stool during sex
- Childbirth – 50% of all women who have given birth will prolapse
- Menopause and age related drop in oestrogen levels
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic coughing
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Heavy lifting
- Diastasis recti
- High impact aerobic activities – running, jogging, high impact aerobics
- Weight control – particularly the amount of abdominal fat you’re carrying
- Lifting technique – never hold your breath. Always exhale on exertion and lift pelvic floor
- Toilet technique – no straining. Try to have feet on a stool (2 toilet rolls will do) to raise knees above hips. Vocalising can also help!
- Exercise – pelvic floor safe exercises for those with a weak pelvic floor, prolapse or have had gynaecological surgery. Gentle Pilates. Core strength and pelvic floor activation. Exercises to avoid – crunches, double leg lifts, full plank position, high impact sports. Ultimately you need to decide what to stop and what to continue with - you can get support for exercise, from supportive shorts to sea sponges and pessaries.
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