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Living with pelvic organ prolapse What you can do Living with prolapse can be a challenge, both physically and emotionally, as the symptoms can disrupt day-to-day life. Below are a few suggestions that may make living with a prolapse a little easier.
Do pelvic floor exercises. These help prevent prolapse but can also help strengthen weakened muscles, aid recovery after surgical treatment and may help reduce symptoms such as leaking urine and back pain. See Pelvic floor exercises. |
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Prevent or correct constipation. Eat a high fibre diet (fresh fruits, vegetables, bran) to help prevent constipation and reduce straining. Wear a girdle. Some women find that wearing a tight girdle helps to reduce the heavy, dragging feeling in their pelvic area. Try yoga. Some women find yoga relieves some of the symptoms of prolapse, and it's a good (and gentle) way to stay fit. There are different types of yoga so find a class or group that suits you. Wear a pantyliner or incontinence pad. If you occasionally leak very small amounts of urine you could use odour-control pantyliners, but if you leak more, or frequently, you should use incontinence pads. They come in a range of sizes and are better suited to leaking urine than sanitary towels. If you notice the leaking is getting worse, contact your doctor. Your doctor may want to do some tests but may also be able to arrange for you to get incontinence pads through a district or incontinence nurse. Explore alternatives to sexual intercourse. Moderate to severe prolapse may make sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable, but there are many other ways to be sexually active, whether on your own or with your partner. Approach this as an opportunity to focus on new ways of finding sexual pleasure. See Resources. Carry wet wipes. If you have bladder or bowel symptoms, use wet wipes to keep yourself clean as well as reduce odour. There are different types available at the shops, in a variety of fragrances, and in large or small packs that fit in your handbag. Clean gently around your genitals and don't use wipes with alcohol or harsh chemicals that may irritate the delicate skin in this area. Treatments There are a number of options available to treat prolapse, including physiotherapy, vaginal pessaries, and a range of surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors such as the type of prolapse you have, the severity of your symptoms, your age and other health issues, whether or not you want to have children in the future, and your personal preference. Before you decide on a treatment, talk to your doctor about the risks, benefits and success rates of the treatments you are considering. It may also help to talk with other women who have or have had prolapse. Keep in mind that every woman's situation is unique, and what is right for one woman may not be right for you. |
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Written by Tamara Beus and published in printed format (2003) by Women's Health
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Avoid standing for long periods of time. Many women find their symptoms get worse when they stand and improve when they lie down. Try to schedule in time to put your feet up. You could use the time to read, make to-do lists, write letters, talk with friends or just relax.
