Prolapse: pelvic floor exercises help to overcome pelvic organ prolapse

A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the uterus, bladder or rectum descend from their normal position in the body and either protrude into the vagina or press against the wall of the vagina.

POP is most common in older women who have had children. However it can also be present in younger women and women who have not had children.

Some estimates suggest that half of all women who have had more than one child have some degree of genital prolapse, although only 10-20% experience symptoms that lead them to seek help.

Treatments include recommending lifestyle changes, such as strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, losing weight and avoiding constipation.

Other, more interventionist options include the use of a pessary device, and surgery. However surgery that involves using mesh has reportedly lead to a large number of complications and court cases in the US. Now a new Australian study has found that well over half of women who use a pessary experience unacceptable side effects, including vaginal bleeding, severe discharge, pain and constipation (Sarma and others)

Faced with these options, many women choose to try pelvic floor exercises FIRST.

The role of pelvic floor exercises in treating an existing prolapse or preventing a prolpase has not always been clear, and medical opinion has been divided.

For some time, pelvic floor exercises were generally considered appropriate only for cases of mild prolapse. However, a research review in 2006 suggested that the evidence shows that pelvic floor muscle training may be more useful in cases where the prolapse is severe.

After reviewing current evidence, Expert Committee 12 "Adult Conservative Management" of the Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI), Paris, July 2008, stated that:

•  Pelvic floor exercises may reduce pelvic organ prolapse severity

•  Pelvic floor exercises may help prevent pelvic organ prolapse

•  Pelvic floor exercises before surgery may improve lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life for women with a prolapse . **

Read more about how to exercise the pelvic floor muscles correctly.

Most vaginal weights are not suitable for use with a prolapse, since the prolapse often precludes correct positioning of the weight. The exception to this, for some women, may be the Smartballs Teneo Uno which has been designed specifically with a prolapse in mind.

However a feedback exerciser can be very useful for women who have a prolapse.

Of the feedback exercisers in our range, the PFX2 is the most popular choice for women with a prolapse.

• The PFX2 is most frequently recommended by pelvic floor physiotherapists, for this purpose
• The sensor is long enough to position accurately for the majority of women with a pelvic organ prolapse.
• It has the benefit of a soft sensor, which causes less discomfort on insertion than a rigid device.
• It is an approved therapeutic device, manufactured to the highest standards as a health product.

In addition the PFX2 has features that make it an excellent choice for women who have not previously done regular pelvic floor exercises:

• Its sensitivity at the lower end of the muscle activity scale means that it is suitable for women with relatively little voluntary control over their pelvic floor muscles.
• Its clear feedback gauge provides visual feedback on the strength and duration of a contraction and is therefore highly motivating.

We are aware of many clients with a prolapse who have bought a PFX2 and found it effective for their needs.

Whether the PFX2 or the Smartballs Teneo Uno are appropriate for you will depend on the exact nature, degree and position of your prolapse. You may wish to seek help from a health professional before making a decision.