Prolapse Management
Management
Many women experience some degree of prolapse often resulting from pregnancy or childbirth. Prolapse is caused by a stretching of the ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic floor causing then to drop down. The word Prolapse means “to slip down or forward”.
There are different types of prolapse including: Vaginal prolapse, Uterine prolapse, Bladder prolapse (cystocele) or Bowel prolapse (rectocele).
Risks
Prolapse can be a result from anything that puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. These include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Regular straining to use your bladder or bowels
- Repetitive lifting this includes: Weights, Children, or anything heavy
- Excessive weight (obesity)
- Excessive coughing
- Pelvic surgery.
- Menopause – the loss of oestrogen. (oestrogen helps keep the pelvic floor toned. Once there is a reduction in oestrogen the muscles often become thinner, weaker and less elastic)
Diagnosis
Prolapse is diagnosed by a physical examination and review of medical history. Your Dr will be able to determine what type of prolapse you have, severity and the current function of your pelvic floor.
A prolapse is graded by how much the organ or vaginal wall is pushing down into the vagina. The three stages are:
Stage 1 – The wall/organ protrudes a little way into the vagina
Stage 2 – The wall/organ protrudes close to the vaginal opening
Stage 3 – The wall/organ protrudes out if the vagina.
Management & Treatment
Treatment of a prolapse will depend on its severity and the degree it interferes with a women’s lifestyle. For some women strengthening of pelvic floor muscles and modifying daily activities with lifestyle changes may be all that is required. However, others they may require surgery or the use of a vaginal pessary.
Vaginal pessaries are used for those who are not able to have surgery or would like to delay surgery. They are inserted high into the vagina to support the prolapse. At Rouse Hill Women’s Health we can fit your pessary and organise changes for you.
How to Prevent & Manage Prolapse
- Avoid heaving lifting (more than 10kg) – this is so you avoid straining and pushing the prolapse down.
- Maintain a healthy weight range. – Being overweight could worsen prolapse
- Increase fluids and fibre – this is to prevent constipation. Straining on the toilet could worsen prolapse.
- Exercise daily – opt for exercises such as walking, swimming, riding. Use lighter weights and avoid exercises such as jumping and running that cause downward pressure on your pelvic floor.
- Do daily pelvic floor exercises – see a specially trained pelvic floor physiotherapist if you have symptoms of prolapse.
- Seek medical advice if you have continued coughing or sneezing.
- Seek medical advice if you are post menopausal.
Book an appointment at Rouse Hill Women’s health clinic today if you wish to discuss prolapse management or prevention.
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