Diagram showing strong female pelvic floor muscles

Pelvic organ prolapses result from the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. If these muscles aren't maintained, the pelvic organs can begin to drop out of place causing discomfort and potentially life altering symptoms.

Here are the key changes you can make to prevent a pelvic organ prolapse from happening to you:

  • Maintain a healthy weight - The National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend keeping your BMI under 30.
  • Treat chronic coughs - Coughing puts extra pressure on your pelvic floor. Avoid the causes of persistent coughs such as smoking.
  • Treat constipation - Both constipation and straining put unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor. Eat a high fibre diet and lots of water to keep regular. You can also use a toilet stool to bring your knees up and put you in the optimum position for fully emptying your bowels with ease.
  • Learn how to lift - Lifting heavy objects, and older children incorrectly, puts unnecessary weight on your pelvic muscles. If you cannot avoid lifting heavy weights, the National Health Service (NHS) suggest holding the load close to your waist and avoid bending your back.
  • Perform pelvic floor / Kegel exercises - Performing pelvic strengthening exercises can be all you need to treat mild and moderate prolapses completely. Along with the other lifestyle changes, they can also rectify the most severe prolapses. Or put you at an advantage to take on other treatment methods.

How Do You Prevent a Prolapse?

There are numerous way you can offset the symptoms associated with prolapses. Ranging from dietary changes to targeted exercise. Our guides provide you with tips and lifestyle advice on how to prevent a pelvic organ prolapse from happening to you:


Sources

NHS. (2016) Safe lifting tips [online] National Health Service, 2016 [viewed 20/03/2018]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/workplacehealth/pages/safe-lifting-tips.aspxNHS. (2018) Pelvic organ prolapse [online] National Health Service, 2018 [viewed 14/03/2018]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/

NICE. (2015). Urinary incontinence in women: management, 1 Recommendations [online] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2015 [viewed 14/03/2018]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg171/chapter/1-Recommendations#physical-therapies