Prolapse Facts to Know
First off, what is a prolapse?
Prolapse is the descent of the pelvic organs. The organs will exert pressure on the vagina or rectum and, in more severe stages, can create a visible bulge.
What is NOT prolapse?
Prolapse is not life-threatening and is not a reason to be embarrassed. It’s as common as a knee injury.
Many women will experience prolapse, whether they’ve had surgery or not, and our risk increases with age and muscle loss.
So what should you know about prolapse? Here are my thoughts:
The sooner you get help, the easier it is to fix.
You can lift weights during and after prolapse.
Women who lift weights as they age are at a lower risk for prolapse.
Running has a higher risk for prolapse than lifting, and all runners should lift.
It is important to assess prolapse while standing, not just while lying on a table.
Previous surgeries, including hernia surgery, are a risk factor. If this applies to you, you should consider doing preventative rehab.
Urinary incontinence is a risk factor; address leaking early for the best chances of prevention.
It’s possible to have prolapse and not know it; sometimes having a hysterectomy can be the catalyst for symptoms, but having a hysterectomy itself does not cause prolapse.
The quality of the exercise matters. More is not better; better is better.
I believe prevention is the best medicine! When I work with someone after surgery, my goal is to lessen as many of their risk factors as possible and provide the education they need to get help early, should anything ever happen.
If you want to work on your pelvic fitness, my waitlist for 1:1 coaching is open! You can sign up here.
If you want to work on these things on your own, start by shifting any feelings of fear to empowerment.
We have more research on pelvic health than ever. We can’t avoid getting older, but there is so much we can control.
For me, this perspective creates freedom. I may have a prolapse someday, and I certainly have risk factors... However, I am well-prepared to handle the situation if it arises. And I think that’s pretty cool!
Have questions? My inbox is always open.