Uterine prolapse is surprisingly common. Yale Medicine says, “One in four women over the age of 18 report suffering from a pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic organ prolapse.” Many women never speak to a doctor, believing its a normal part of aging or just too embarrassing. It is estimated that 12% of American women will have surgery for pelvic prolapse in their lifetime.
What is it and how do I know I have it?
Pelvic organ prolapse is when part of the vaginal wall, the cervix or uterus, or the apex of the vagina, start to descend from their natural seat. There may be a sensation of something moving downward or a vaginal bulge, along with urinary, bowel and sexual discomfort, often with pelvic and back pain.
Why does it happen?
A combination of genetics, childbirth, aging and straining due to chronic constipation contributes to the weakening of the pelvic support structures and as a result pelvic prolapse occurs.
Will it happen again after surgery?
Pelvic prolapse is similar to a hernia in the abdominal wall, and may occur again after being surgically repaired.
What can we do to help prevent pelvic organ prolapse? (Ayurveda perspective)
-Avoid heavy lifting. The uterus is already fighting gravity and the weight of your organs to stay in place. If you must, use proper lifting posture and hold a Kegel on your way up.
-Prevent and treat constipation.
-Daily diet and exercise, according to the season and your personal physiology.
-Daily Kegel exercises, at least 30 repetitions in one set (try linking it to another established habit to help yourself remember to do it, like getting in bed, plus 30 Kegels).
-Proper postpartum care, rest, digestive foods, body oiling and vaginal oiling.
-And, monthly use of VABalance!
VABalance has herbal ingredients used in traditional medicine to support strengthening and toning vaginal walls. Many medicines we use locally in our vaginas have ingredients that have an exfoliating action on the skin, which our vagina does monthly, naturally, already. As we are beginning to understand with current beauty trends, too much chemical exfoliation leads to the thinning of the skin and premature aging. In my Ayurvedic professional opinion, over exfoliation of the vaginal walls may give the same result, thinning and loss of tissue strength. This comment is not to prevent you from using those medicines when needed, but to advise against overuse. We put so many things in our vaginas, hormones, rubber, metal, stones, latex, either for pregnancy prevention or pleasure, let’s put something in to help protect our vaginal health.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse#:~:text=Overview,a%20normal%20part%20of%20aging
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng123/chapter/Context
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/demystifying-pelvic-organ-prolapses
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