Three Lifestyle Changes for Effective POP, SUI Prevention
As accepted by experts and supported by clinical studies, the stretching and pressure exerted during the labor period and childbirth have been blamed as the main cause of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), medical experts report. On top of pregnancy related factors, other causes may include advancing age, menopause, genetic disposition, ethnic origin, previous surgeries and nerve and muscle ailments.
While most of these factors are beyond your control, there are some things you can do to prevent or even treat these pelvic disorders. Right now, the following are lifestyle changes you can adopt:
Reduce Weight
Already long established and acknowledged as a main risk factor in the development of pelvic organ prolapse is obesity or being overweight. Various studies have determined that obese women had a 40 to 70 percent increased risk of getting this pelvic disorder. Undue strain is exerted on the supporting structures of the pelvic floor muscles as well as the pudendal nerve and it branches when there is excess weight since this increases the pressure on the abdomen.
The slackening of this excessive strain may only be possible when excess weight is removed. POP conditions have been observed to improve considerably with a weight loss of five to 10 percent. Proper diet in combination with increased physical activities has been shown to constitute a successful weight loss program. It may require the services of a professional which a good doctor may recommend in order to attain this objective.
Get Rid of Coughs
Chronic coughing which may be due to smoking or any lung-related ailment is another factor that increases pressure on the abdomen and the pelvic floor muscles. Another effect of smoking is the tendency to reduce the body’s supply of the protein collagen which helps in strengthening the connective tissues. Pelvic muscles may lose their strength when the connective tissues begin tearing up due to the reduction of collagen.
Very clearly, this risk factor may be addressed by quitting the smoking habit. The treatment of any lung-related ailments such as asthma or an allergy should be undertaken in order to limit coughing episodes. For those who may find it hard to stop the smoking habit, perhaps the assistance of a specialist may be required.
Reduce Constipation
Increased pressure on the vaginal wall from the bowel has been observed to occur due to constipation. This is worsened by the straining involved since the abdomen and the pelvis are exposed to additional pressure.
Making changes in the diet and engaging in exercises intended to maintain regular bowel movement may be the best moves in addressing this problem. Increasing intake in fiber and fluids which have been known to aid in easing constipation are strongly recommended in making changes in the diet. If the condition persists in spite of these measures, it may be advisable to have it examined by a specialist.
Various studies have shown that patients suffering from POP and SUI have benefited hugely through these changes. Because of these changes, the need for more severe actions such as vaginal mesh surgeries which exposed women to additional risks have been eliminated. Complaints of severe complications have been reported due to the use of these devices which have even led to litigations such as the vaginal mesh lawsuits. You may visit vaginalmeshlawsuitcenter.us for more information about this matter.
References: • • •
uwhealth.org/health/topic/major/pelvic-organ-prolapse/tv1000.html my.clevelandclinic.org/ob_gyn/womens_health/urogynecology_pelvic_floor_disorders/ri skfactors.aspx webmd.com/urinary- incontinence-oab/tc/pelvic-organ-prolapse-what- increases- your-risk