Muscle weakness not only prevents you from performing certain physical activities but also causes pain and discomfort. It can cause significant discomfort and interfere with your quality of life as well. Pelvic organs are essential organs responsible for various functions, including reproduction, bladder and bowel control, core stability and many more. Ensuring these organs are in place and well-maintained is crucial for the body's smooth functioning.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The pelvic organs have their own designated spot in the body. When one or more of these organs slip down from their place and result in a vaginal bulge, it is known as a pelvic organ prolapse.
A band of muscles and tissues together will hold these pelvic organs in place. These muscles act like a hammock holding up all the organs. When this hammock of muscles weakens and lets the organs slip into the vaginal area, it is known as the prolapse of that particular organ.
A pelvic organ prolapse does not occur overnight unless it is due to some trauma or accident. Muscles weaken over time due to age, exertion, or prolonged pressure. They will slowly start to give way, allowing the pelvic organs to descend gradually. This is why many women may not know about pelvic organ prolapse until it is too late, or a routine scan is taken.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Causes
The pelvic organs are held in position by a network of muscles and tissues. When these muscles and tissues become weak or fail to hold the organs in place as they should, the weight of the organs, combined with gravity, will cause them to drop.
The following factors do not necessarily lead to a pelvic organ prolapse, but they increase the risk for the same:
Vaginal delivery
Multiple pregnancies and vaginal deliveries
High birth weight of the baby
Age
Trauma or surgery in the pelvic region
Obesity or being overweight
Chronic constipation or coughing has been constantly putting pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
Connective tissues are affected by various diseases and conditions.
Lifting heavy weights – be it in the gym or daily life.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms
Body aches, particularly in the hip and pelvic regions, are common among women after childbirth or as they age. A pelvic organ prolapse should not be confused with these pains and discomforts. Some women may not experience any symptoms and may not even be aware of the prolapse until they undergo an ultrasound or scan for another reason.
Some common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are:
An uneasy feeling or discomfort in the vagina, like something is weighing down.
A heavy feeling around the tummy or genital area.
You feel pressure in the genital or pelvic area, especially when performing physical activities.
A visible bulge around the genital or vaginal area.
Feeling numb or uncomfortable during sex.
Unable to empty the bladder, which requires multiple visits to the toilet or the urge to pee soon after urination.
Urine leakage when coughing, sneezing or exercising.
Pain in the lower back.
Inability to insert or retain a tampon or menstrual cup in place.
Splinting – The need to put your finger into the vagina to support the bulge caused by the pelvic organ prolapse, to empty your bowel. Otherwise, the bulge can obstruct the path.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Complications
The prolapse can be anterior, posterior, uterine prolapse, or even cause the vagina to sag. Different types of prolapses can have different impacts on one’s quality of life. Apart from discomfort, pelvic organ prolapse can cause the following complications too:
It is not easy to efficiently anticipate and effectively prevent pelvic organ prolapse. The following can help reduce the risk of such a prolapse and also help strengthen the pelvic region.
Pelvic Floor Exercises – Exercises that help control and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, providing better support for the organs. Kegels and abdominal breathing while properly engaging the pelvic and core muscles can help strengthen these muscles.
Weight Management – Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of adding pressure on the organs or the pelvic floor muscles.
Prevent Constipation – Chronic constipation can strain the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. Adding more fibre to the diet and drinking plenty of water and other liquids can improve digestion and reduce constipation.
Lift Properly - Maintaining proper form when lifting anything heavy is crucial for protecting your pelvic floor muscles and organs. Avoid twisting your torso or putting pressure on your lower back and tummy when lifting something heavy. Always tighten your core, squat, and engage your leg muscles and entire back to lift properly.
Avoid Chronic Cough – Coughing constantly can strain the pelvic floor muscles and weaken them over time. Regular smoking and exposure to toxins should be best avoided to reduce the risk of such coughing.
Conclusion
It is not easy to anticipate pelvic organ prolapse. In many cases, one may not be aware of the prolapse until it is too late or until they undergo a scan of the pelvic region. Following some preventive steps, if applicable, can help to a great extent. Whether at risk or not, it is always a good idea to keep the pelvic muscles in good shape and condition, as this can help reduce the risk of backaches as well.
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