subject: Five Suggestions To Prevent, Relieve Pop, Sui [print this page] Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affect millions of women in the United States. Most of those suffering from these ailments are those who have given birth and those gaining in years. These disorders are exacerbated by certain factors such as being overweight, irregular bowel movement, and other lifestyle-related issues.
POP is caused by the damage to the tissues that acts as support for the pelvic organs. These organs shift from their normal positions when the tissues are stretched or damaged causing pressure on the vaginas inner walls. This usually occurs after childbirth when the organs in the pelvic area is stretched and weakened.
Having lower levels of the hormone estrogen has also been determined to be another cause of the weakening of the organs supporting the pelvic area. Lower levels of estrogen in the body means there is less collagen which is a protein that aids in the stretching of the connective tissues. This explains why POP usually affects women in their middle ages.
While the advance in years is inevitable and having children a dream to many women, one does not have to go through the pains of POP and SUI because of these conditions. There are things a woman can do to prevent the occurrence of these conditions. And for those afflicted already, these suggestions may go a long way to relieving or easing the pain and preventing it from getting worse.
Among the things you can do now are the following.
1. Eat high fiber foods.
Eating this type of foods prevents constipation which triggers pelvic prolapse since it increases the pressure on the vaginal wall and weakens or damages the connective tissues and muscles in the pelvis. It is advisable to consume at least 20 grams of fiber-rich foods every day. This can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Instead of the usual fare for the afternoon snack, you may choose to have fruits.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight.
Healthy weight in this case would be one that is ideal for your height. You can seek the assistance of a specialist to come up with strategies in lowering or maintaining your weight. Being overweight adds pressure to your abdomen.
3. Cut down on caffeine
Especially for those suffering from stress urinary incontinence, caffeine should be eliminated or at least reduced. Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks, acts as a diuretic which may make you urinate more.
4. Avoid activities that stress the pelvic muscles
Examples of these activities are lifting of heavy objects and jumping. These should be avoided because it strains and stress the pelvic muscles which may trigger or cause POP. You may need to change occupation if your work involves lifting or any activity that puts stress in your pelvic muscles. It is also advisable that if you have to lift something, use the legs instead of the waist and back.
5. Do pelvic floor exercises
Perhaps one of the best things a woman can do to prevent POP and SUI or to alleviate the discomfort associated with these conditions is to do pelvic exercises. This is intended to strengthen and tighten pelvic muscles which support your pelvic organs. It will be worth your while to learn the Kegel exercises which has been attested as very effective.
POP and SUI may be long-lasting conditions and they may be painful and disruptive of your life. Doing these simple suggestion can go a long way in making you enjoy a quality of life you deserve. If these life-style changes and activities do not offer any relief, you may consider taking other measures.
But if you do, it might help to be wary of using certain devices. Vaginal meshes have been in the limelight recently due to the many complications suffered by users. It might help checking on information regarding vaginal mesh controversies.
