Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Preventive Measures and Treatments
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that affects many people, particularly women, as they age or after childbirth. Despite its prevalence, POP is often misunderstood or not discussed openly.
At Kin Physio, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and effective strategies to manage and prevent pelvic organ prolapse. In this blog post, we’ll explore what POP is, the risk factors involved, and how pelvic health physiotherapy can play a crucial role in both prevention and treatment.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, rectum, or small intestine—descend from their normal position and push against the walls of the vagina. This happens due to a weakening or stretching of the connective tissues that support these organs.
There are several types of prolapse depending on which organ is affected:
Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse): The bladder descends towards the front wall of the vagina.
Rectocele (Rectal Prolapse): The rectum pushes towards the back wall of the vagina.
Uterine Prolapse: The uterus descends into the vagina.
Enterocele: The small intestine pushes into the vaginal wall.
Common symptoms of POP include:
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area.
A bulge or lump in the vagina.
Discomfort during sex. Prolapse itself isn’t painful, however, if the cervix has dropped, contact against the cervix is what causes the discomfort.
Urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Several factors can increase the risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse:
Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, particularly if it involved a prolonged labor, large baby, or use of forceps, can cause injury to the connective tissue, making them more prone to prolapse.
Chronic Straining: Activities that involve heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or straining during bowel movements can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor, raising the risk of prolapse.
Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to weaker connective tissues, increasing their risk of developing POP.
Jobs that involve heavy lifting: Lifting heavy in the gym doesn’t necessary cause prolapse because we are building strength in the muscles to support ourselves. If we spend a long time on our feet and lifting heavy in the day but we are not strong enough this can lead to issues.
Preventive Measures for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
While not all cases of pelvic organ prolapse can be prevented, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk:
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Regularly performing pelvic floor exercises (often called Kegels) strengthens the muscles that support the pelvic organs, helping to prevent prolapse. At Kin Physio, we can guide you in performing these exercises correctly to maximize their effectiveness.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Addressing chronic coughing, constipation, or other conditions that cause straining can help protect your pelvic floor. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, can prevent constipation, while quitting smoking can reduce chronic coughing.
Practice Safe Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects, use your legs rather than your back, and avoid straining your pelvic floor. Also ensure you are strong enough to lift. By keeping active in the gym you can build your strength so you are strong enough to do the things you want to do.
Postpartum Care: After childbirth, giving your pelvic floor time to heal and doing gentle exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist can help prevent prolapse.
How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic health physiotherapy plays a vital role in both preventing and managing pelvic organ prolapse. Here’s how:
Personalised Assessment: At Kin Physio, we start with a comprehensive assessment to understand the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles. This allows us to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Strengthening Exercises: We guide you through targeted pelvic floor exercises as well as general pelvic strength exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support your pelvic organs. These exercises can help prevent the progression of prolapse or improve mild cases.
Lifestyle and Postural Advice: We provide practical advice on how to modify activities that might strain your pelvic floor, such as lifting, coughing, or exercising. We also offer guidance on improving your posture to reduce pressure on the pelvic area.
Manual Therapy: For some clients, manual therapy techniques can help release tension in the pelvic floor muscles, improve blood flow, and enhance muscle function.
Supportive Devices: In certain cases, we may recommend the use of a pessary—a device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs and relieve symptoms of prolapse.
Education and Empowerment: Understanding your condition and how to manage it is key to living well with pelvic organ prolapse. We provide ongoing education and support to help you stay informed and confident in managing your pelvic health.
Taking Control of Your Pelvic Health
Pelvic organ prolapse can be a challenging condition, but with the right knowledge and support, it’s possible to reduce your risk and manage symptoms effectively. At Kin Physio, we’re committed to helping you take control of your pelvic health through evidence-based, patient-focused care.
If you’re concerned about pelvic organ prolapse or want to learn more about how to prevent it, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to support you on your journey to better pelvic health.
