Preventing uterine prolapse: What really helps?

• Weight control: On Maintain a normal body weight, as being overweight can increase the risk of uterine prolapse. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can result in a heavier child and therefore greater stress on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth.
• Do not smoke: Avoid smoking to prevent chronic cough (COPD), which can cause increased strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
• High fiber intake and sufficient fluid intake: Maintain a diet high in fiber and fluids to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
• Physical activity and pelvic floor exercises: Regular exercise and specific pelvic floor exercises (e.g. Kegel exercises) can help strengthen the pelvic floor. Postnatal exercises after childbirth are particularly important.
• Use correct lifting techniques: Lift heavy objects correctly so as not to overload the pelvic floor.
• Medical control for chronic cough and persistent constipation: These conditions can place additional strain on the pelvic floor and require medical treatment.

Weight control to prevent uterine prolapse

Being overweight can increase pressure on the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of uterine prolapse. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are essential to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Nutritional advice and professional support are valuable for defining and pursuing realistic weight goals. You should avoid crash diets and instead strive for long-lasting eating habits.

Furthermore, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also lead to a child that is too heavy, which puts increased strain on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth. Statistically, women with children with a birth weight over 4kg are more likely to have pelvic floor dysfunction and later genital prolapse.

Quitting smoking as a preventative measure

Smoking can cause chronic cough (COPD), which increases the pressure in the abdomen when coughing, putting strain on the pelvic floor and can promote uterine prolapse. Smoking cessation programs and medical support are effective preventative measures. Nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and, if necessary, medication can improve the chances of successfully quitting smoking.

Nutrition to prevent constipation and uterine prolapse

Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking enough fluids are crucial to preventing constipation, which can put additional strain on the pelvic floor. Whole grain products, fruits and vegetables as well as sufficient fluid intake support healthy digestion and counteract constipation. If digestive problems persist, nutritional advice and a medical examination are advisable. Medicinal stool softeners and laxatives should not be taken without medical advice.

Physical activity and pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor

Regular physical activity and targeted pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, strengthen the pelvic floor and have a preventative effect. These exercises are easy to incorporate into everyday life. Sports such as swimming and yoga also help to strengthen the pelvic floor.

During pregnancy and childbirth, increased pressure and stretching of the pelvic floor muscles can not only promote later incontinence, but also prolapse of the uterus. Exercises to protect the pelvic floor should be started during pregnancy and postnatal training should be carried out after delivery

Correct lifting techniques in everyday life

Lifting heavy loads can put strain on the pelvic floor. Be sure to use leg strength instead of back strength when lifting. Ergonomic lifting that keeps the pelvic floor tense minimizes the risk of uterine prolapse.

Medical care for chronic cough and constipation

Chronic cough and persistent constipation place strain on the pelvic floor muscles and should be treated medically. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can be preventive against uterine prolapse.

About the guest author

Dr. med. Leonie Gode is an experienced specialist in gynecology and obstetrics. Her career began with studying human medicine at the Ruprechts-Karls University in Heidelberg. During her studies, she gained valuable experience as a student operating room assistant in trauma surgery at the Theresien Hospital in Mannheim. Her passion for gynecology led her to the Deaconess Hospital in Mannheim and later to the Perinatal Center Level I at the Aschaffenburg Clinic, where she worked intensively on prenatal medicine. Her dissertation on mortality prediction in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia was published in the renowned “Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine”. Since 2022, she has been co-owner of the gynecologist’s practice “am Glockenturm” in Mainaschaff and Großwallstadt. In addition to the entire spectrum of gynecology, she has specialized in the areas of fertility, prenatal diagnostics and the care of (high-risk) pregnancies. Her expertise and commitment make her one esteemed specialist and researcher in her field.