Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Prevention

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Prevention

Pelvic organ prolapse is most often a result of tissue damage caused by labor and childbirth. Although you may not be able to prevent the damage to your pelvic organs caused by childbearing, you may be able to control the progression of the prolapse. Lifestyle changes that may slow the prolapse process include:

• Reaching and staying at a weight that is healthy for your height.
• Not smoking. The chronic cough associated with smoking may cause or speed pelvic organ prolapse. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Correcting constipation. The straining caused by constipation weakens and damages the connective tissue and muscles in the pelvis.
• Avoiding heavy lifting and jumping.
• Doing pelvic strengthening exercises (Kegel exercises) every day. These exercises help strengthen the muscles of the pelvis.

The hormone estrogen is sometimes prescribed for women during menopause to preserve or strengthen the tissues of the pelvis. Estrogen may be used in pill form, as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT, which is estrogen combined with progesterone). Recent studies show that taking ERT or HRT can increase risks of serious diseases. Estrogen is also available as a low-dose vaginal cream, ring, or vaginal tablets. These low-dose forms are not thought to have the same risks. Talk to your doctor about taking or applying estrogen.

Last updated:	October 20, 2008
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, R. Hugh Gorwill, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC