When you were younger did you play that game "Never have I ever"?
Well this is the Pelvic Health version..
Have you ever
stood up and felt an immense pressure in your pelvic region?
felt a lump or seen organs slipping out of the vagina?
had difficulty emptying the bowel or bladder?
had problems with sexual intercourse?
had recurring bladder infections or urinary incontinence?
had lower back pain?
had fibroid or a pelvic tumor?
had surgery in the past to treat a vaginal prolapse?
had problems inserting a tampon?
These may be signs of a vaginal prolapse. Consult with your physician for a proper diagnosis.
There are different types of prolapse.
Vaginal vault prolapse: The top of the vagina (known as the “vaginal vault”) droops down into the vaginal canal. This usually occurs in women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Uterine prolapse: The uterus bulges or slips into the vagina or comes out of the vaginal opening.
Cystocele: The bladder drops into the vagina.
Urethrocele: The urethra (the tube that carries urine away from the bladder) bulges into the vagina.
Rectocele: The rectum bulges into or out of the vagina.
Enterocele: The small intestine bulges against the back wall of the vagina.
The main cause of prolapse is pregnancy and birth. You are more likely to experience a vaginal prolapse later in life, especially if you have had multiple pregnancies with a vaginal birth.
Other factors can also cause a prolapse, such as, family history, lifestyle and certain medical conditions.
Obesity (increased weight on the pelvic floor)
Chronic constipation (straining to have a bowel movement)
Chronic Cough (smokers cough or asthma)
Surgery ( hysterectomy, or radiation treatment in the pelvic area)
Menopause (decreased estrogen production, estrogen is particularly important because it helps keep your pelvic muscles strong)
Lifting heavy objects (strain from lifting can also weaken your pelvic muscles and allow your organs to sag out of position.
Genetics (naturally weaker than normal pelvic floor)
A prolapse may not always be preventable , but you can take steps to reduce the risk. Surgery is an option but it does not guaranty that it will not happen again.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of a prolapse
Perform Kegel exercises
Maintain a healthy weight, active lifestyle and diet.
Stop smoking.
Use proper lifting techniques.
When was the last time you did a Kegel exercise?
You know that muscle contraction you feel when trying to hold a pee... You got it. It's those muscles that makes up the pelvic floor. Over time these muscles can weaken causing organs to drop into or out of the vagina.
Performing Kegels daily can help strengthen the pelvic floor. The best part is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and no one knows 😁
Recently had a baby?
Had multiple pregnancies?
Does your job involve heavy lifting?
Do you cough a lot due to smoking or medical condition?
Have you had surgery or are you waiting for surgery to repair a prolapse?
Are you overweight?
Take preventative measure to reduce the risk of a prolapse, exercise can help.
Want to know more about how exercise can help? Click the link below for a free consult with our Physiotherapist.
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