Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can help control stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, fecal incontinence and can help slow the progression of vaginal prolapse. Kegel exercises must be done correctly and regularly to work. With severe prolapse there is limited benefit seen.
Pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor therapy consists of a series of visits to a physical therapist with specialized training in the treatment of pelvic floor problems. The physical therapist uses a combination of the techniques listed below depending on the type of urogynecological condition present. With vaginal prolapse the goal of pelvic floor therapy is to strengthen the pelvic floor so as to provide support to the vagina and pelvic organs. Below are four treatment options available for pelvic floor therapy:
Biofeedback
An intravaginal device used to train the pelvic floor muscles to contract or relax correctly,
Functional electrical stimulation
A device that can be used intravaginally or externally that delivers a gentle electrical current to activate or relax the nerves and muscles in the pelvis. Manual therapy – pressure applied to and released from muscles in spasm to relax them and increase blood flow to the area for healing. Often, women with prolapse subconsciously perform excessive pelvic floor contractions to the point of creating pelvic floor muscle spasms. This may create a painful condition called pelvic floor dysfunction, which in turn may lead to pelvic pain, painful sex and difficulties with urination and defecation.
Vaginal pessary
A vaginal pessary is a removable, diaphragm-like device worn in the vagina to support the bladder or other internal organs that are prolapsing within or through the vagina and/or decrease stress urinary incontinence. There are a variety of types and sizes of pessaries available. A pessary fitting includes two or more office visits to find a type and size of pessary that will work for you.