If you have symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse, you may need a few options to help you manage pain and discomfort. Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, particularly in older women. It means that one or more organs of the pelvis drop out of place, often into the vagina. There are many ways that you can work to manage this condition, such as changing your lifestyle, pelvic floor therapy, and surgery in some cases. A pelvic support belt is an effective, non-invasive tool that provides additional support. Here are a few things you should know before you try one.

Benefits of Pelvic Support Belts

As part of a treatment plan to manage pelvic organ prolapse, a support belt can provide excellent assistance. When you seek treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, your doctor may prescribe a combination of activities to decrease muscle stress and improve strength. If you cannot cut back on specific tasks that put strain on your pelvic floor muscles, a support belt might give you added support as you recondition those muscles. There are plenty of options designed to fit under your clothing. In some cases, they can serve as alternatives to vaginal pessaries or surgery.

Limits of Pelvic Support Belts

As a non-invasive treatment option, a pelvic floor support belt usually cannot act as the only management tool for pelvic organ prolapse. These belts can relieve some symptoms, but they do not resolve the problem. Overuse of a support belt may create a dependence on it, resulting in an increase in symptoms when you are not wearing one. It is meant to be used in addition to a strengthening regimen that can decrease the need to wear it. Proper fit is important, because wearing an ill-fitting garment can restrict blood flow or add pressure in the wrong place.

Modifying Lifestyle and Implementing Self-Care Practices

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in managing pelvic organ prolapse. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Ensuring adequate hydration is equally important, as it helps maintain overall health and supports optimal tissue integrity.

Weight Management

Excess weight can exert additional pressure on the pelvic floor, worsening POP symptoms. Therefore, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are vital components. Activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can enhance general fitness and strengthen the pelvic region.

Avoiding Strain

Avoiding heavy lifting and activities that strain the pelvic area can also alleviate symptoms. Learning proper techniques for lifting and prioritizing ergonomics can help reduce the risk of exacerbating prolapse. Staying active through low-impact exercises, such as walking or yoga, can further contribute to overall well-being without putting extra pressure on the pelvic region.

Stress Management

Managing stress levels is also vital since stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate symptoms. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce tension and promote well-being.

Exercises Targeting the Pelvic Floor Muscles

One of the most effective ways to support pelvic health is by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs and maintaining bladder and bowel control.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are a widely recommended method for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. These exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that control urine flow. Regular practice can enhance the strength and endurance of these muscles, contributing to better pelvic support.

Progressive Resistance

As pelvic muscles strengthen, incorporating progressive resistance can further enhance the effectiveness of the workouts. Using resistance bands or weights specifically designed for pelvic floor exercises can help in gradually increasing muscle strength.

Importance of Consistency

Consistency is key to optimal results. Setting a regular exercise routine and gradually increasing intensity can lead to significant improvements in pelvic muscle strength and function.

Pelvic Support Belt Types

There are several types of pelvic support belts. The right one for you depends on the type of prolapse you have, the cause, and your needs for support. Some belts are small and should fit discreetly under your clothes, but they may not provide as much support. Others could have more compression or a larger size for increased support. Some products are designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It is important to confirm that the one you choose will work for the type of support you need.

Choosing the Right Support Garment

It is best to choose a support belt for fit, comfort, and the way you plan to use it. Because the right size is so important for the comfort and use of the garment, you should start by taking your measurements. If you are unsure of the size to select, contact the manufacturer for more information. Beyond that, you should look for practical features you need, such as:

• Compression area
• Ease of use
• Machine washability
• Reusable inserts
• Adjustability

If you can, try on the product under the clothing you plan to wear to get an idea of the look.

Making a Decision Regarding Surgical Intervention

Deciding whether to pursue surgery is a significant choice that requires careful consideration. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with surgical options.

Factors to Consider

Key considerations include:

• Severity of Symptoms: Evaluating how prolapse symptoms impact daily life.
• Overall Health: Understanding how existing health conditions may affect surgical outcomes.
• Personal Preferences: Weighing the desire for surgical intervention against the potential risks.

It’s crucial to thoroughly explore all treatment options, including FemiCushion, which can provide effective support while considering surgery.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation and Healing Process

After surgery, a well-structured rehabilitation plan is vital for a successful recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon's specific recommendations to ensure proper healing.

Gradual Return to Activities

During the first few weeks post-surgery, patients should prioritize rest while gradually reintroducing light activities. It’s essential to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact exercises until cleared by a healthcare provider.

FemiCushion: Innovative Prolapse Support Garment

FemiCushion sets itself apart from other prolapse support garments currently available in the market. This unique medical device incorporates a silicon cushion positioned at the vaginal opening to effectively prevent the protrusion of prolapse. By doing so, it eliminates the distressing symptoms typically associated with pelvic organ prolapse, offering much-needed relief to women. FemiCushion proves to be effective for various stages of pelvic organ prolapse, ranging from stage 1 to stage 3, including conditions such as bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, rectocele (rectal prolapse through the vaginal opening), Enterocele, and vaginal vault prolapse. As women wear the device over time, it actively prevents the progression of prolapse and mitigates associated symptoms, empowering them to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

A clinical study conducted on patients with stage 3 or 4 pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent treatment with FemiCushion for about one month revealed promising results. The diagnostic MRI findings indicated notable elevation in three specific areas: the apex of the vagina, as well as the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, when FemiCushion was utilized. The effectiveness of FemiCushion can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the elevation of prolapsed organs, provision of perineal support, and reinforcement of the weakened pelvic floor. These factors collectively contribute to the positive outcomes observed in the study.

Selecting pelvic support belts can be an effective way to minimize symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Women’s Medical Research Inc. makes it easy to choose the right prolapse support garment. To learn more about our products, visit our shop or contact us today.

Supervising Doctor of This Article

Koichi Nagao, MD PhD

Professor, Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
Director of Urinary tract reconstruction center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Director of Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center

Professor Nagao specializes in plastic surgery in the field of reproductive medicine. He completed eight years of plastic surgery training at Showa University before majoring in urology at Toho University. With his meticulous surgical techniques and careful examinations that combines urology and plastic surgery, Professor Nagao became a Board Certified Specialist with multiple associations including the Japanese Urological Association, the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine.

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