How to Fix a Prolapse Without Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you experiencing discomfort or concern due to a prolapse? Do you experience a bulging or dragging feeling in your vagina area?
The good news is that surgical intervention isn't always the first or only option. In fact, there are several effective methods to manage and potentially reverse a prolapse without going under the knife.
Let's delve into some practical steps and strategies you can implement to address this condition before you consider surgery.
Remember that the NICE guidelines state that:
‘Women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence are offered a supervised pelvic floor muscle training programme of at least 3 months' duration as first-line treatment.
How Can I Stop My Prolapse from Getting Worse?
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Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is crucial for supporting the organs and preventing further prolapse. Regularly performing Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, can help improve tone and stability.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on the pelvic organs, exacerbating prolapse symptoms. By adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, you can manage your weight and reduce pressure on the pelvic area.
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Avoid Heavy Lifting: Activities that involve heavy lifting or straining can contribute to prolapse progression. Be mindful of your lifting technique and consider asking for assistance with heavy objects to minimize strain on the pelvic floor. Always remember to use the Knack Technique when you lift anything heavy.
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Optimize Bowel Habits: Constipation and always use a stool when doing a poo to avoid straining during bowel movements, as this can strain the pelvic floor and worsen prolapse symptoms. Ensure you're consuming an adequate amount of fiber, staying hydrated, and practicing healthy bowel habits to promote regularity and prevent straining.
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Use Kegel Weights: Kegel Weights provide added resistance during pelvic floor exercises, helping to strengthen the muscles and support pelvic organs. Incorporating Kegel Weights into your routine can be an effective strategy for managing prolapse.
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Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can provide personalized guidance and exercises to target specific muscle weaknesses and imbalances contributing to prolapse. These therapists can also offer valuable advice on posture, body mechanics, and lifestyle modifications.
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Stay Consistent with Treatment: Consistency is key when it comes to managing prolapse without surgery. Incorporate the above strategies into your daily routine and stick to them over the long term for optimal results.
What Shrinks a Prolapse?
While there's no guaranteed method to shrink a prolapse entirely, certain lifestyle changes and treatments can help improve symptoms and prevent further prolapse progression. In addition to the aforementioned strategies, incorporating habits such as:
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Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve overall pelvic health and circulation, potentially reducing the severity of prolapse symptoms.
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Healthy Diet: Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support tissue health and promote healing within the pelvic area.
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Avoiding Smoking: Smoking can weaken connective tissues and impair circulation, which may exacerbate prolapse symptoms. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can benefit pelvic health.
Is Surgery Right For Me?
Deciding whether surgery is the appropriate course of action for managing a prolapse is a significant consideration. Here are some factors to contemplate when determining if surgery is the right choice:
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Severity of Symptoms: If your prolapse symptoms significantly impact your quality of life and conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, surgery may be a viable option.
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Desire for Long-Term Resolution: While non-surgical treatments can effectively manage prolapse symptoms for some individuals, surgery may offer a more permanent solution, particularly for those with advanced or recurrent prolapse.
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Overall Health and Fitness: Your overall health and fitness level play a crucial role in determining your candidacy for surgery. Your healthcare provider will assess factors such as age, medical history, and any underlying health conditions to determine if surgery is safe and appropriate for you.
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Personal Preferences and Goals: Consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, and treatment goals when evaluating the option of surgery. Discuss your concerns and expectations with your healthcare provider to ensure that surgery aligns with your individual needs and objectives.
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Risks and Potential Complications: Like any surgical procedure, prolapse surgery carries risks and potential complications. It's essential to thoroughly understand the potential benefits and risks associated with surgery and weigh them against the potential benefits of non-surgical alternatives.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue surgery for prolapse should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider after careful consideration of your individual circumstances, preferences, and treatment goals. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and help you make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan.
In conclusion, surgery is typically considered a final option for women who have exhausted non-surgical interventions without experiencing significant or timely improvements in their quality of life.
Approximately one in ten women with prolapse opt for surgery.
However, statistics show that 25-30% of those who undergo surgery may encounter a recurrence of prolapse, leading to a subsequent surgery for 19% of them.
For others, exploring non-surgical options to alleviate symptoms is preferred over facing another surgical procedure.
It's essential to recognize that all pelvic organ prolapses stem from weakened pelvic floor muscles, often resulting in multiple organs prolapsing simultaneously.
Surgical interventions primarily involve repositioning each organ and securing them in place to prevent further movement.
However, it's crucial to understand that surgical procedures do not restore pelvic floor muscle strength.
Therefore, incorporating non-surgical treatments, such as using Secret Whispers Pelvic Floor Kegel Weights, that are recommended by many Pelvic Floor Physios and Gynaecologists to help strengthen and tone your pelvic floor muscles.
Just 15 minutes a day to help you strengthen and tone your pelvic floor muscles.
If you found this blog useful you may like:
- What Is Incontinence And Why Does It Happen?
- Are My Vagina Lips Normal?
- The 4 Main Types of Pelvic Floor Prolapse with Reference Diagrams
- Your Pelvic Floor after a Hysterectomy
- Vibrating Vagina? What You Need to Know
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