When one of the body's organs protrudes out of place, it is called a hernia. But when that protrusion involves the pelvic floor, it is called a prolapse. Often causing abnormal pressure in the pelvic region, vaginal prolapse might often involve difficulties with urination and bowel movements. Although exercises for vaginal prolapse are not always effective, they can help correct mild versions of the problem.
Identification
Vaginal prolapse is a condition that occurs when organs inside the pelvis bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall. In severe cases, the organs may actually fall out of the vaginal opening and protrude outside the body. The pelvic floor acts similar to a hammock, holding the uterus, bladder, urethra, rectum and vagina in place. Occasionally, the muscles, ligaments and tissues of the pelvic floor become weak and stretched. When this occurs, the pelvic organs are no longer supported properly and may fall out of place. The risk for developing vaginal prolapse increases after pregnancy or vaginal deliveries. Additional risk factors include old age, obesity, straining during bowel movements, frequent heavy lifting and chronic coughing.
Exercise Benefits
Mild forms of vaginal prolapse can often be treated with Kegel exercises. When done correctly, Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. According to MayoClinic.com, most women experience increased pelvic floor muscle tone within 8 to 12 weeks of performing daily Kegels. With this increased muscle tone and enhanced contractility, your pelvic floor will be significantly more prepared to support your pelvic organs. As an added benefit, Kegel exercises also help prevent urine leakage and hemorrhoids.
Kegel Exercises
Before doing Kegel exercises, you must first learn to isolate the pelvic floor muscles. To do this, try to momentarily stop your urine stream while urinating. These are the same muscles you must learn to isolate during Kegel exercises. To perform Kegel exercises, you squeeze these muscles tightly and hold the contraction for 5 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times, with a 5-second break between each contraction. As the Kegel exercises become more familiar, aim to hold the contraction for 10 consecutive seconds. Repeat the entire sequence 3 times per day. Fortunately, you can perform Kegel exercises discreetly during nearly any activity such as while watching television, waiting at a stoplight, or while taking a shower.
Considerations
In some cases, severe forms of vaginal prolapse cannot be corrected with Kegel exercises. If the pelvic floor has become too weak or damaged to support the internal organs, a pessary may need to be inserted into the vagina. Often shaped as a cube or ring, a pessary is inserted into the vagina to hold the organs in place. Although your doctor will provide you with detailed care instructions, most pessaries need to be removed and cleaned frequently. In very severe cases of vaginal prolapse, surgical treatment may be necessary to strengthen the pelvic floor.
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