The dropping sensation in your abdomen after exercise is likely caused by one of two things. With women, it could be something known as uterine prolapse. In this situation, the uterus shifts from its original position, causing an almost pulling sensation within your pelvis. With both men and women, an inguinal hernia could cause a dropping or dragging feeling that's isolated to the lower abdomen. If this is the case, a portion of your intestines has pushed through the muscles of your abdominal wall.
Uterine Prolapse
The dropping feeling in your abdomen after exercise could be an indication of uterine prolapse. Although exercise itself doesn't cause this condition, it can further stretch already weakened pelvic floor muscles, allowing the uterus to drop into the vaginal canal. Worsening of uterine prolapse is more so associated with prolonged periods of exercise, such as long distance running, according to the Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, SC. Talk to your doctor to determine if this is the cause of the dropping or dragging sensation.
Uterine Prolapse Treatment
Treatment for this condition usually relies on conservative measures before turning to surgical intervention. Losing weight can help, but you should also perform Kegel exercises. If these measures fail to improve symptoms, you may need to use a vaginal pessary to essentially hold the uterus in place. When pessaries don't correct the condition, a graft may be used to support the uterine wall or a hysterectomy is needed to remove the uterus.
Inguinal Hernia
The dropping sensation in the abdomen may be the result of an inguinal hernia. When you suffer an inguinal hernia from exercise, it's usually due to lifting weights more than any other physical activity. Lifting weights can increase the pressure within your abdomen, which can cause a portion of the intestines to escape through a weak spot within your abdominal wall. This causes a dragging or even dropping sensation to emanate from the lower abdomen down into the groin.
Inguinal Hernia Treatment
The size and severity of your hernia usually dictates treatment. In minor cases, your doctor may want to wait until the condition worsens before treating it. If it's giving you a great deal of discomfort, your doctor may then choose to correct the hernia by pushing the protruding portion of the intestines back into place and then repairing the wall of your abdomen.
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