Women often feel uncertain about available treatment options when they suspect a prolapse or when diagnosed with one. Some women delay or limit treatment without knowing what to do or believing there is nothing that can be done.
“Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition involving the vaginal descent of one or more pelvic organs, most commonly involving the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Prolapse is a structural issue that happens due to the loss of pelvic organ support.”
Because early action is pivotal for the easier reversal of prolapse and the long-term success of recovery, let’s explore avenues of help.
Even if your symptoms are very mild or non-existent, it’s best to take action to protect a prolapse from worsening.
Help from Yourself
How much you yourself do for your prolapse recovery consistently is tremendously important in determining your individual success. Sometimes this is all it takes to repair your prolapse.
Pelvic Floor Exercises & Strategies
Exercising your pelvic floor muscles correctly and with the right intensity is the first line of treatment for prolapse because such exercises can lift and stabilise a prolapse. However, this does not include casual clenching. Instead, it requires a carefully structured training routine that meets the basic principles of strength training. A prolapse-conscious lifestyle will also propel you toward recovery. These essential elements are extensively covered in the Discreetly Fit workshop, far beyond other standard instructions. You can significantly increase your chances of long-term recovery by applying these practices, whether your prolapse is mild or advanced. Before AND after surgery, they can also considerably improve your chances of lifelong surgical success.
Overall Body Condition
Good overall body condition can significantly help you to recover from prolapse. Choose an activity you enjoy that makes you feel good and agree with your unique prolapse condition.
Check out my two blogs that help you to choose a personal trainer who’ll be considerate not only to your fitness, strength and weight loss goals but also to your prolapse recovery.
Help from Others
Various health professionals can help you to manage your prolapse. Look for people who are not only well qualified and experienced in treating prolapse but also listen to you and validate your presentation of prolapse symptoms, enlighten you with treatment choices, support you in your decisions, and assist you in building a multi-professional team to help if that’s what you need.
General Practitioner
Your general practitioner can help to diagnose a prolapse and to rule out any associated underlying medical conditions contributing to symptoms – for example, a urinary tract infection. Your family doctor can also refer you to appropriate specialists as needed.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists
Pelvic health physios can provide a clinical diagnosis via individualised assessment of all aspects of the pelvic floor and core condition and function, including an internal examination if required. Some of these professionals are also trained in pessary* fitting. Since prolapse is not life-threatening, it’s always worth seeking first-line help from these terrific professionals before opting for surgery. You can self-refer to a pelvic health physio.
Urogynaecologists
Urogynaecologists specialise in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse. These highly educated professionals can help you with clinical diagnosis, pessary fitting, medication and, when all else fails, surgery.
Mental Health Professionals
For many, it’s challenging to discuss experiences surrounding prolapse symptoms, even with family and friends. These issues are often regarded as taboo and are associated with shame and embarrassment. Secrecy surrounds this topic, even among other women. Although health professionals can often provide some emotional support, mental health professionals are fully equipped to assist women if prolapse impacts their emotional well-being. They are worth seeking out as needed.
Allied Health
Since prolapse can be a complex condition, a multidisciplinary approach is most effective in tackling it. The support of dieticians and alternative therapists, such as acupuncturists and naturopaths, is worth exploring as per your needs.
I hope this helps you fully participate in your pelvic health care.
Read Prolapse 101 here.
Would you like to enhance the efficacy of your self-care?
Pelvic Floor Workshops
Online
If you prefer to learn pelvic floor muscle training and protective strategies self-paced with full Help Desk support, this workshop is for you.
Sydney
If you wish to come to an in-person workshop and benefit from learning pelvic floor exercises with Real-Time Ultrasound (a quick scan through your tummy in a private setting to see your muscles working), choose this option.
