Normal Aging and Natural Remedies for Prolapse

Natural Remedies for Prolapse

Let’s face it: No one likes surgery. In fact, most people would probably go out of their way to avoid a procedure that could give them discomfort, put them out of work for who knows how long and drain their wallets (not to mention energy levels).

Surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse is no exception. Fortunately, most women can prevent or treat prolapse with natural remedies.

In a nutshell, prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs fall from their original positions and down into the vagina, which happens when the muscle tissues surrounding (and, more importantly, supporting) these vital organs weaken and give way. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Extra weight/obesity
• Smoking
• Menopause
• Childbirth
• Constipation
• Hysterectomy

While some women experience symptoms associated with prolapse, many don’t. If symptoms are mild, there are many simple diet and lifestyle remedies to not only treat mild prolapse but keep it from worsening.

More on Normal Aging and Natural Remedies for Prolapse…

Quitting Smoking

We know, we know: If you’re a smoker, you’ve probably heard this a thousand times. But aside from the other types of harm it’s doing to your body, smoking often leads to a chronic cough. Coughing intensely and often adds stress to muscles (including those precious pelvic muscles).

So whether you get a patch, join a support group or go cold turkey, nix the sticks! It’s one of the best decisions you can make for your body really.

Losing Weight

Whether this means eating more healthful foods, drinking more H2O, or simply moving more, the less weight you’re carrying, the better (to a point, of course stay within a healthy weight range!). If you’re not sure where to start or what your healthy weight range is, consult your doctor.

Also, and there’s really no fancy way to say this: Get that fiber in. Let’s just say the more regular your system, the less pressure on your pelvic organs.

Take Herbal Supplements

Many women swear by herbal supplements to alleviate discomfort associated with prolapse and help them on their way to recovery. Some of the more popular ones are:

• Gotu kola, which increases ligament blood flow.
• Ginseng, which has properties similar to estrogen that help reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
• Couch grass, which is said to strengthen the urethral sphincter.
• Horsetail (equisetum), which comes in both a tablet and a tea and helps rebuild connective tissue.

If Surgery is Necessary

If you have severe prolapse symptoms, you may require surgery. Fortunately, there are surgical options that don’t involve transvaginal mesh implants, which have been getting a lot of negative attention in the media lately due to complications and thousands of lawsuits have been filed. Talk to your doctor about the safest surgical repair for you.

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Jen Juneau is a content writer for Drugwatch.com. She is versed in technical writing, creative writing and everything in between.