Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust



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5. Watch your weight. Being overweight can put increased pressure on the supporting muscles and ligaments.

6. Stop smoking. A persistent smoker's cough puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Seek medical help for other causes of persistent coughing.

7. Avoid standing for too long. This can cause discomfort from a prolapse. Rest as much as possible. If prolonged standing is unavoidable, keep doing small groups of pelvic floor exercises. Resting with your legs raised higher than your head may help to relieve discomfort.

8. Sexual intercourse will not make your prolapse worse. It is extremely unlikely that your partner will be aware of it. Should difficulty be experienced, K-Y Jelly may make sex more comfortable. Experiment with different positions to find the most comfortable for both of you.

Are we accessible to you?  This publication is available on request in other formats (for example, large print, easy read, Braille or audio version) and languages.  For free translation and/or other format please call 01773 525099 ext 5587, or email us at: communications@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk

Remember:

The above steps should help to prevent a prolapse worsening, but if it is large or causing a lot of discomfort, your G.P. or Consultant may discuss surgery with you. Following surgery, recovery will take several weeks and all the above advice should be followed to ensure a successful outcome. Pelvic floor exercises are particularly important in order to prevent a recurrence.

If you require any further advice, please contact the Women's Health Physiotherapist on or discuss your symptoms with your G.P.

PRODUCT / SERVICE INFORMATION

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Continence Advisory Service

Alfreton Primary Care Centre

Church Street

Alfreton

Derbyshire

DE55 7AH

Tel: 01773 546960

Fax: 01773 546976

derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk

Prolapse Advice and Information

Clinic:

Contact:

Derbyshire Community Health Services is responsible for providing NHS Services in the Derbyshire County area and is hosted by Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust.

What types of Prolapse are there?

Most people associate a prolapse with the uterus (womb) dropping down into the vagina. The amount of descent can vary from just a little, to such an extent that any straining pushes it out of the body. This is known as a uterine prolapse.

Another common prolapse is called a cystocele. This occurs when the bladder pushes into the front wall of the vagina. Again a bulge may be felt. In some cases this may cause difficulty in emptying the bladder and some women experience incontinence.

A rectocele is a prolapse, which occurs when the rectum (back passage) pushes into the back wall of the vagina. This may cause difficulty emptying the bowels and often causes or aggravates constipation. Some women experience low back pain.

It is possible to have more than one type of prolapse at the same time, and it is also possible for women who have had a hysterectomy to still experience a prolapse.

What can I do about a Prolapse?

The only complete cure for a prolapse is surgery, however there are many things, which can be done to lessen the symptoms and prevent the condition worsening.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

1. These are extremely important as the pelvic floor muscles support all of the internal organs. The stronger the muscles the greater the support they provide. Strong muscles can help to prevent a prolapse descending further. Your physiotherapist will advise you on the current technique and number to perform

2. Avoid heavy lifting as this increases pressure on the supporting muscles and ligaments and may cause symptoms to worsen. Avoid moving furniture, turning mattresses, digging the garden or carrying heavy shopping bags. If these are unavoidable make sure you bend your hips and knees, keep your back straight and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Do not bend in the middle.

3. Avoid vigorous sports such as running, tennis, squash and lifting weights. Sit-ups should also be avoided. Suitable alternatives include swimming, walking and low impact exercise classes.

4. Avoid constipation. Repeated straining to open the bowels will push a prolapse further down. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and ensure you have plenty to drink.

Prolapse Advice and Information

What is a Prolapse?

A prolapse occurs when the uterus (womb), vagina, bladder or bowel sags or falls out of place. Some women do not have any symptoms from their prolapse, others are aware of a `bulge' and the feeling of `something coming down'. In more severe cases, discomfort may be experienced, possibly interfering with everyday life.

What causes a Prolapse?

Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes. The pelvic floor muscles become slack and the supporting ligaments are stretched and weakened. If the pelvic floor muscles are overstretched during childbirth they may not return to normal. Having a difficult delivery, many pregnancies or a particularly large baby may all be factors. Many women are unaware of damage to their pelvic floor until they reach the menopause. At this time, hormone levels drop making earlier damage more noticeable. Other less frequent causes of prolapse include very strenuous sports, heavy lifting and an inherited tendency.

derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk

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