Postpartum
wellness and reproductive health are important for women throughout
their lifetime to prevent the onset of conditions such as Pelvic Organ
Prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence. The pelvic floor, which
provides support for the pelvic organs and their connective tissues, is
integral to keeping organs and tissues in place. If women do not observe
proper postpartum wellness steps, such as daily Kegel exercises, pelvic
tissues can weaken and cause problems later on.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
is a condition that usually affects women during menopause. In fact, as
many as 50 percent of women will be diagnosed with POP during their
lifetime. POP is diagnosed when tissues and organs in the pelvic cavity
begin to weaken and drop. In mild to moderate cases of POP, there can be
few symptoms. However, in moderate to severe cases, a woman's pelvic
organs can actually drop, or prolapse, into the vaginal canal. This can
cause various complications.
The
leading causes of POP are pregnancy and childbirth. However, there are
other factors that can exacerbate POP, such as smoking, excessive weight
and a genetic predisposition.
Postpartum Wellness and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Prevention
There
are simple steps women can take to promote postpartum wellness and
reduce the chances of developing conditions such as Stress Urinary
Incontinence and/or Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Some of these steps include:
Living Well:
Since two risk factors associated with POP include excessive weight and
smoking, lifestyle choices can work to keep pelvic tissues nourished
and strong. Eating well, getting regular exercise and quitting unhealthy
habits — such as smoking — can ensure women are doing all they can to
promote optimal health.
Exercises for the Pelvic Floor: Most women are familiar with Kegel exercises
and may have even done them a time or two. However, daily exercises can
make the difference between maintaining a strong pelvic floor and
having a history of incontinence and POP.
Recent
studies have proven that it's never too early to start doing Kegel
exercises. Pregnant women who do daily Kegels throughout their pregnancy
are significantly less likely to develop incontinence during the third
trimester. Observing this practice every day beyond childbirth will
continue to keep pelvic floor muscles strong.
Postpartum Wellness Protects Women from Risky Surgeries
One
of the most common methods for treating moderate to severe cases of POP
uses a medical device called transvaginal mesh. While transvaginal mesh
can successfully treat the symptoms of POP, it has been linked to
thousands of cases of serious health complications. In fact, there have
been so many devastating results due to transvaginal mesh surgeries, the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple health warnings
about the device. Also, hundreds of women have filed transvaginal mesh lawsuits.
Any
woman diagnosed with POP should talk to her doctor about the full
spectrum of treatment options available. It's important to choose the
treatment that poses the least risk. Better yet, by observing overall
health and exercise guidelines, postpartum women can avoid POP
altogether.
Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.
