How Menopause Affects Your Mental Health
The emotional changes of menopause can catch many women off guard. Sudden mood swings, heightened anxiety, or low mood often are often rooted in hormonal shifts. Partnering with an OB/GYN can help!
Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse be Prevented?
As many as one in five women in the US experience disorders related to problems with the pelvic floor, a system of muscle and tissue that supports the organs of the pelvis. Though one of the least common of these disorders, pelvic floor prolapse can have a serious impact on your quality of life.
Preventing prolapse before it happens would be ideal, but there are often combinations of factors that contribute to the condition, and in some cases, the reasons for prolapse simply aren’t known. Though there’s little you can do about genetic contributors, there are some lifestyle changes that may make prolapse less likely.
Symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse
A common sign of prolapse is a constant feeling of pressure that may be uncomfortable and even painful. This discomfort can originate in your pelvis or felt in the lower back. You may also experience:
- Bulging in the vagina
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse or physical activity
- Constipation
- Pelvic pressure that intensifies when you cough
Pelvic floor prolapse risk factors
Your chances of experiencing prolapse increase with age. Pelvic support tissue suffers the effects of time, and loss of youthful tone may contribute to this condition. Other risk factors include:
- Vaginal childbirth: The strain of giving birth may affect the pelvic floor, though prolapse may not occur immediately.
- Giving birth to a large baby: Birth weights over 8.5 pounds are associated with increased prolapse risk.
- Chronic pressure on your abdomen: such as being overweight or suffering from chronic constipation or frequent coughing
- Hormonal changes: resulting from natural menopause or hysterectomy
Preventing pelvic floor prolapse
Though you can’t control all the contributors to pelvic floor prolapse, you can reduce your risk by making lifestyle adjustments to limit the impact of common risk factors.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity adds physical strain to the pelvic floor, as well as introducing other health issues that may aggravate risk factors
Stop smoking
Nicotine affects blood flow, essential for your body’s self-maintenance. Smokers are more likely to develop chronic coughs, adding additional pressure on the pelvic floor
General and specific exercise
Staying active is key for many aspects of your health, such as good bowel function. Kegel exercises, in particular, may help strengthen muscles of the pelvic floor.
Diet adjustments
High fiber and plenty of water are keys to good health and bowel regularity. Avoiding constipation removes a prolapse risk factor. Treat constipation as a health issue, and avoid straining during bowel movements.
Attention to physical strain
Though being active is, in general, helpful for prevention, repetitive motion that puts strain on the pelvic area may contribute to pelvic floor issues. Using proper lifting techniques that rely on your legs also reduces pelvic strain.
Every woman’s risk of developing pelvic floor prolapse is unique. For an examination and assessment of your condition, contact Dr. A. Michael Coppa at either office location by phone, or use the convenient online booking tool. Dr. Coppa can help you determine the best way to preserve your pelvic health before problems begin.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Who Should Have a Pap Test and How Often
A Pap test is a routine screening that detects cervical cancer in its earliest stages. Read on to learn who benefits from the test and how often they should be scheduled to protect your cervical health.
6 Ways PCOS Can Impact Your Appearance
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common but quite complicated endocrine disorder. People who have PCOS have a wide variety of symptoms, some that are merely annoying, and some that can disrupt your life.
Why UTIs Increase Post-Menopause and What You Can Do About It
Menopause brings a slew of physical and emotional changes. Among these, many women experience a propensity to frequent urinary tract infections. But we have solutions. Read on to learn what these are.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe? Learn What the Latest Research Says
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers significant benefits for women in or near menopause, yet many women may be concerned about its safety. Here’s how those concerns arose and what the new data really says about the safety of HRT.
Your Guide to Navigating Bed Rest with a High-Risk Pregnancy
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor might prescribe bed rest. But understanding the reasons behind it and how to manage it effectively can make this time more manageable and less stressful. Here’s where to start.