Age, menopause, difficult childbirth, intense sport, constipation, cough… All are risk factors for organ prolapse or descent. Here are the prevention tips to adopt on a daily basis to avoid it.
Frequent in women, exceptional in men, prolapse corresponds to a descent of one or more lower abdominal organs (mainly bladder, uterus or rectum) in the vagina or outside the vulva. This impairment annoying even disabling would touch between 30% and 50% of women of all agesreports the High Authority of Health. Organ descent is the consequence of a relaxation of the ligaments and muscles of the perineumfavored by age (relaxation of muscles and ligaments associated with aging) as well as by risk factors which, for some, are preventable. “Preventing a prolapse comes down to limiting these risk factors“, indicates in the preamble Dr. Olivier Jourdain, gynecological surgeon. Tour of advice.
1. Lose a few pounds if overweight
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of a prolapse, in particular overweight Where obesity which promote a significant pressure on the pelvic organs. “Losing weight (a few kilos in agreement with the doctor) and promoting good food hygiene can reduce the risk of prolapse, its impact or avoid a recurrence“, indicates our interlocutor.
2. Avoid regularly carrying heavy loads
A professional activity or a sport requiring heavy lifting (eg weightlifting) are risk factors for prolapse. Thus some women who have a job that requires them to stand for several hours or to carry heavy loads are more willing to prolapse. HASu daily, it is advisable to contract the muscles of the perineum (such as holding back a pee) when carrying heavy loads.
3. Stop smoking
“It is not yet completely anchored in the collective consciousness, but smoking makes prolapse worse. Women smokers should consider limiting or even quitting smoking as much as possible.“, insists our interlocutor.
4. Treat a chronic cough
Cough regularly (chronic coughing fits, tobacco, asthma, COPD…) can cause repeated pressure on the perineum and promote the descent of organs. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor and to treat a chronic cough to avoid this complication.
5. Treat Constipation
“Chronic constipation promotes prolapse, simply because of pushing effort. Constipated women push more and will increase the pressure on the muscles of the perineum“, says Dr. Jourdain. A doctor should be consulted in the event of severe or chronic constipation in order to consider adequate treatment. The doctor will also be able to give advice to better manage the efforts of pushing to the toilet and the diet to adopt to prevent constipation.
6. Avoid CrossFit or strength training
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for a prolapse. It is therefore advisable to practice physical activity regular and adapted. It is recommended to seek advice from a gynecologist or physiotherapist so that he can demonstrate the techniques of breathing and preservation of the perineum.
► Sports to avoid: sports requiring heavy lifting such as CrossFit or bodybuilding, long-distance running which puts a lot of strain on the tissues of the pelvic floor. Sports with shocks and jolts such as step, jump rope, trampoline or tennis are also to be avoided because of the pressure they cause on the perineum with each impact
► Recommended sports: softer sports like walking, cycling, Pilates, barre, yoga or swimming.
In addition, women who quickly resume a very intense sporting activity (running, dancing, etc.) after pregnancy increase the risk of organ descent. Generally, post-pregnancy tissue structures are not yet solid enough to withstand intense physical activity.
7. Consider perineal rehabilitation
Prolapse is favored by different episodes of life such as pregnanciesespecially when they are repeated, and consequently, the repetition of deliveries naturally and obstetrical trauma during childbirth (long or difficult childbirth with tearing of the perineum, use of forceps, high newborn weight, etc.). The perineum is weakened and loses tone after childbirth. Postpartum rehabilitation can thus help remuscle the perineum and prevent organ descent. It is done in agreement with a doctor or a midwife. A perineal rehabilitation can also occur outside of pregnancy.
8. Consider hormone therapy during menopause
A prolapse can be favored by estrogen deficiency after menopause. “Due to the decline in estrogen, the connective tissues lose their elasticity and can no longer perform their role of supporting the organs as effectively“, indicate the University Hospitals of Marseille (AP-HM) on their website. “Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at menopause can limit the risks“, concludes our specialist.
Thanks to Dr Olivier Jourdain, gynecological surgeon. Polyclinic Jean Villar (Establishment Elsan Bordeaux)