Kegel exercises are a type of exercise that strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the pelvic organs, which include the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when these organs drop out of their normal positions due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Can Kegel Exercises Reverse Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Kegel exercises are often recommended as a way to help prevent and treat pelvic organ prolapse. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Kegel exercises can actually reverse the effects of pelvic organ prolapse.
That said, Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. This can help to reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain. Additionally, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles may help to reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse developing in the first place.
What Else Can Help Reverse Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
If you have been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, there are several things you can do to help reverse it. These include:
• Losing weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the pelvic organs and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Losing weight can help to reduce the pressure on the organs and strengthen the muscles.
• Avoid straining: Straining when lifting heavy objects or during a bowel movement can worsen pelvic organ prolapse.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen pelvic organ prolapse by weakening the pelvic floor muscles.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly and can provide treatments to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the prolapse.
Conclusion
Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Kegel exercises can actually reverse the effects of pelvic organ prolapse. Other treatments, such as losing weight, avoiding straining, quitting smoking, and pelvic floor physical therapy, may be necessary to fully reverse the condition. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.