Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Home Treatment
Home treatment can relieve the discomfort of pelvic organ prolapse. It can also help to keep prolapse from getting worse.
- Do Kegel exercises every day to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis:
- Start by identifying your pelvic muscles, which you can feel by purposely stopping the flow of urine in midstream. You should feel muscles squeezing the urethra and anus.
- Remember what it felt like to control these muscles during urination and try to contract them when you are not urinating. If your stomach or buttocks muscles tighten, you are not exercising the right muscles.
- When you have found the proper method of contracting the pelvic muscles, squeeze for 3 seconds and then relax for 3 seconds.
- Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times per session. Try to do this at least 3 times a day. The more you exercise, the more likely it is that the exercises will help.
- You can do Kegel exercises while traveling, while at work, or at odd moments during the day. No one will know that you are doing the exercises.
- Prevent or correct constipation. The straining caused by constipation increases pressure from the bowel on the vaginal wall and weakens and damages the connective tissue and muscles in the pelvis.
- Try gentle exercise. Take a short walk each day. Gradually increase your walking time until you are walking for at least 20 minutes each day.
- Make sure you drink enough fluids. Most adults should try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, or noncaffeinated beverages each day. Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, which can increase dehydration. If you have heart failure or kidney failure, talk to your doctor about what amount of fluid is right for you.
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables every day. Have a bran muffin or bran cereal for breakfast, and try eating a piece of fruit for an afternoon snack. Try to eat about 20 g of fiber every day.
- Schedule time each day for a bowel movement—after breakfast, for example. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time.
- If you continue to be constipated, try taking processed or synthetic fiber (such as Citrucel, Metamucil, or Perdiem) each day.
- Try taking a stool softener, such as Colace, to prevent straining if your stools are very hard.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.
- Avoid activities, such as heavy lifting, that stress your pelvic muscles.
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: October 25, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine R. Hugh Gorwill, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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