Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Prevention
Pelvic organ prolapse is most often a result of tissue damage caused by labor and childbirth. Although you may not be able to prevent the damage to your pelvic organs caused by childbearing, you may be able to control the progression of the prolapse. Lifestyle changes that may slow the prolapse process include:
- Reaching and staying at a weight that is healthy for your height.
- Not smoking. The chronic cough associated with smoking may cause or speed pelvic organ prolapse.
- Correcting Reference constipation. The straining caused by constipation weakens and damages the connective tissue and muscles in the pelvis.
- Avoiding heavy lifting and jumping.
- Doing pelvic strengthening exercises (Reference Kegel exercises) every day. These exercises help strengthen the muscles of the pelvis.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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