A prolapsed uterus occurs when it slips from its normal position into the vagina because the pelvic muscles and ligaments that are holding it in place weaken. Doing situps greatly increases pressure on your pelvic floor muscles. If you are not at risk of developing uterine prolapse, doing situps should not present a problem. If you are at risk of having a prolapse, have a prolapse now or have had recent surgery for a prolapse, you shouldn't do situps. Always seek you doctor's approval before doing any abdominal exercises if you have a uterine prolapse.
Causes and Symptoms
Pelvic muscles and ligaments may weaken as a result of difficult vaginal births, aging and anything putting excessive pressure on the pelvic floor, like chronic coughing or certain abdominal exercises, like situps. Symptoms of a prolapsed uterus include the feeling of a small ball being in the vaginal area and the protrusion of the uterus and cervix through the vagina, painful intercourse, frequent urination, low backache, vaginal bleeding or an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. See a doctor promptly if you experience any of these symptoms.
Abdominal Pressure
Exercises like situps are abdominal exercises that you should avoid if you are at risk of, have or have had a prolapsed uterus, according to an article written by Michelle Kenway and Dr. Judith Goh. Situps exert downward pressure on your pelvic floor, which weakens pelvic muscles and ligaments, causing or making your prolapse worse. To avoid excessive abdominal pressure, replace situps with gentle exercises for your core that can be done on a yoga ball. Talk to a fitness or yoga instructor about gentle core exercises that won't dramatically increase pelvic floor pressure.
Other Activities to Avoid
If you have weak pelvic floor muscles, you should limit other activities in addition to situps. For example, chronic coughing may place your pelvic muscles under too much strain. See your doctor for treatment. In addition, attempt to avoid heavy lifting, which can put a lot of stress on your pelvic floor muscles.
Kegel Exercises
Situps are exercises that can weaken pelvic floor muscles, though kegel exercises can be done to strengthen these muscles. If you have had or are at risk of having a uterine prolapse, kegel exercise might be beneficial and doctor recommended.
To perform kegel exercises, find your pelvic floor muscles -- they are used to stop and start your urine flow-- and hold these muscles tight for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this exercise 10 times, four times daily.
