Left untreated, bladder prolapse, which happens to be the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), can be very distressing to a woman. Its impact to a person’s quality of life may be very devastating - extending to one’s emotional, sexual, and psychological wellbeing.

 

Medical experts strongly encourage women, especially those exposed to increased risks of bladder prolapse, to take the necessary measures in preventing the development of this pelvic condition. Along with the recommended lifestyle and behavioral changes, perhaps the best thing that a woman may do is to engage in pelvic floor muscle exercises or more commonly known as Kegel exercises.

 

Various studies have shown that significant improvements were experienced by bladder prolapse patients with regular Kegel exercises. It has also been determined that pelvic floor muscles became stronger, which helps in preventing the occurrence of bladder prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders.

 

Kegel exercises may benefit women by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that hold and support the bladder. It has been shown that weak pelvic floor muscles may cause organ prolapse and urinary problems. The value of Kegel exercises has long been recognized by specialists in this particular medical field.

 

Although Kegel exercises may easily be learned, it would not hurt to have the guidance of an expert. It is not isolated to hear complaints from women that they have not experienced positive results after engaging in these exercises. It has been suggested that these women may not have been doing the exercise properly.

 

To acquaint those interested in this exercise, the first thing to do in practicing Kegels is to identify the pelvic floor muscles which are the muscles that you use to stop urine. To exercise these muscles, all one has to do is to pretend to stop the flow of urine by holding it. Contract these muscles by squeezing for 10 seconds and resting for another 10 seconds. You may try for three or four sets of 10 contractions.

 

It is very important to note that while doing the routine, you should feel your anus and urethra squeezing. If you feel the tightening happening in the stomach or buttocks, then you are exercising the wrong muscles.

 

Like any other forms of exercises, results are not felt immediately. Just as muscles in the arms and legs may take time, so do the muscles in the pelvic floor area. With regular practice using the correct procedure, results may become apparent after three to six weeks.

 

One advantage of Kegel exercises is its flexibility. You can do it anywhere, anytime, and you can employ variations to suit your preference. Its main benefit, however, is in its effectiveness which has allowed a number of women to forego vaginal mesh surgeries thereby sparing them from possible severe complications involved in these procedures.

 

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