Does Exercise Make Prolapse Worse

Are you one of the millions of women who suffer from a prolapse? If so, you may be wondering whether exercise can worsen your condition. In this article, we will explore the relationship between exercise and prolapse, and provide some tips on how to exercise safely with this condition.

Table of Contents

• What is Prolapse?
• How Does Exercise Affect Prolapse?
• Tips for Exercising with Prolapse
• Exercises to Avoid
• FAQ
• Pros and Cons

What is Prolapse?

Prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend into the vaginal canal. This can cause discomfort, pain, and urinary or fecal incontinence. Prolapse can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, obesity, and chronic constipation.

How Does Exercise Affect Prolapse?

Exercise can be beneficial for women with prolapse, as it can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control. However, certain types of exercise can worsen prolapse symptoms, particularly if the pelvic floor muscles are weak. High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and heavy lifting can put pressure on the pelvic organs and exacerbate prolapse symptoms. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and incontinence.

It is important to note that not all women with prolapse will experience worsening symptoms with exercise. The degree of prolapse and the strength of the pelvic floor muscles will vary from woman to woman. Some women may be able to engage in high-impact exercise without any issues, while others may need to modify their exercise routine to avoid exacerbating their symptoms.

Tips for Exercising with Prolapse

If you have prolapse and want to exercise, there are some steps you can take to minimize your symptoms:

• Consult with your doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist before starting an exercise program.
• Focus on exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegels.
• Avoid high-impact activities such as running, jumping, and heavy lifting.
• Try low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga.
• Use supportive devices such as a pessary or vaginal support during exercise.
• Listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience pain or discomfort.

Exercises to Avoid

While some women with prolapse may be able to engage in high-impact exercise without any issues, the following exercises should generally be avoided:

• Running
• Jumping
• Heavy lifting
• Aerobics
• CrossFit
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

FAQ

Can exercise worsen prolapse?

Yes, high-impact exercise can put pressure on the pelvic organs and exacerbate prolapse symptoms.

What exercises are safe for prolapse?

Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga are generally safe for women with prolapse. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegels, can also be beneficial.

Should I use a pessary or vaginal support during exercise?

Using a pessary or vaginal support can help provide additional support to the pelvic organs during exercise. Consult with your doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if this is appropriate for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exercise can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control.
• Low-impact exercise can be safe and beneficial for women with prolapse.
• Using a pessary or vaginal support can provide additional support during exercise.

Cons:

• High-impact exercise can worsen prolapse symptoms.
• Some women may need to modify their exercise routines to avoid exacerbating their symptoms.
• Consulting with a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist can be time-consuming and costly.

In conclusion, exercise can be beneficial for women with prolapse, but it is important to exercise safely and avoid high-impact activities that can worsen symptoms. Consult with your doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine the best exercise program for you.