Learn About Managing Prolapse Through Lifestyle Changes on MD Conversation

 

MD Conversation provides online presentations that can be used instead of information pamphlets by doctors and specialists. While this is a subscription service, the introductory presentation on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is available free online here: An Introduction to Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

 

This presentation is very detailed, and includes moving diagrams that may help you to understand pelvic anatomy and POP.

 

The best feature of this presentation is that it clearly states what the goals of POP treatment are, and then compares the available treatments against this list of goals. It also goes into much more detail about lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking) than most other resources.

 

The presentation can be paused, and you can review individual sections as many times as you want.

 

Please note that the Prolapse Information Project is not affiliated with MD Conversation, nor am I necessarily suggesting that you subscribe to this service. I am only directing you towards the free portion of this service.

Free Physiotherapy Instructional Videos

There is increasingly strong evidence for using physiotherapy by a trained Women's Health Physiotherapist to manage prolapse.

Michelle Kenway is an Australian Women's Health Physiotherapist. She is passionate about educating women about pelvic floor exercises and safe exercise for prolapse, and has produced a number of free publicly-available resources for women.

It can be difficult for women with prolapse to get accurate information about exercise. Michelle Kenway's You Tube channel has a number of videos about this topic, including many showing pelvic-floor safe exercise. You can find this here: Michelle Kenway on YouTube.

Here is one of her videos "Back Exercises for Women that Safely Strengthen and Tone":

At the Prolapse Information Project, I strongly recommend getting advice from a Women's Health Physiotherapist before beginning any exercise routine. However, I recognise that due to your location or economic circumstances this isn't always possible. Exercise information on the Prolapse Information Project is only intended as a general guide and may not be appropriate for every woman.

Safe Exercise with a Pelvic Floor Injury

 

One of the most confronting things about being diagnosed with a prolapse is the physical restrictions it places on you, particularly if you have always been a fit, physically active person. Returning to exercise, or beginning to exercise, can be especially intimidating if you are concerned about making your prolapse worse.

The Continence Foundation of Australia have put together a great website about safe exercise for women with pelvic floor injuries (such as prolapse), called Pelvic Floor First.

This website gives you really clear guidelines about what cardio, resistance and core exercise can be undertaken without causing or exacerbating pelvic floor injury. It is worth remembering that this information is provided as a guideline only, and if you notice your symptoms worsening you should stop doing the exercise that is causing them to do so.

With that in mind though, you can build your strength and once again start to enjoy something about your body.