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Welcome to the comprehensive medical library of Women's Healthcare of Southern Indiana. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any condition or treatment, please contact Women's Healthcare of Southern Indiana. To schedule an appointment please call 812.923.6200 or use our online Request an Appointment form.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Nonsurgical TreatmentProlapso del ³rgano p©lvico: Tratamiento sin cirug­a

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Nonsurgical Treatment

Image of pessary
Two types of pessaries

If your pelvic organ prolapse is mild or doesn't bother you much, nonsurgical treatment may be a good choice. A device (pessary) to wear in your vagina can help ease your symptoms. You may also be given certain exercises (Kegels) to do. And you may need to make some lifestyle changes.

Image of pessary inserted
Wearing a pessary can help support any prolapsed organs.

Wearing a Pessary

A pessary helps support the prolapsed organ or organs. It is specifically fitted by your doctor. A pessary may ease your symptoms, but it can't repair prolapse. The pessary must be removed for cleaning. If you can't do this, you will need to see your doctor regularly. He or she will remove and clean your pessary. If you have questions or concerns about the pessary, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Image of woman
You can do Kegels at any time, such as when you're talking on the phone.

Doing Kegels

Kegels are simple exercises that you can do to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They may ease your symptoms and prevent further prolapse. To do a Kegel, contract your pelvic floor muscles as if to stop the urine stream. (Do this when you're not urinating.) Ask your doctor how many Kegels to do and how long to hold each one. During your treatment visits, your health care provider may place a device in your vagina to measure your Kegel contractions. That way, you can find out whether you are doing Kegel exercises right.

Living a Healthy Life

Improving your health may ease your symptoms or keep your problem from worsening. You may be asked to:

  • Quit smoking to prevent excessive coughing

  • Adjust medications that may cause urine leakage

  • Avoid lifting, which puts pressure on pelvic muscles

  • Exercise and eat well to maintain a healthy weight

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:38:15-06:00

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Nonsurgical TreatmentProlapso del ³rgano p©lvico: Tratamiento sin cirug­a

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Nonsurgical Treatment

Image of pessary
Two types of pessaries

If your pelvic organ prolapse is mild or doesn't bother you much, nonsurgical treatment may be a good choice. A device (pessary) to wear in your vagina can help ease your symptoms. You may also be given certain exercises (Kegels) to do. And you may need to make some lifestyle changes.

Image of pessary inserted
Wearing a pessary can help support any prolapsed organs.

Wearing a Pessary

A pessary helps support the prolapsed organ or organs. It is specifically fitted by your doctor. A pessary may ease your symptoms, but it can't repair prolapse. The pessary must be removed for cleaning. If you can't do this, you will need to see your doctor regularly. He or she will remove and clean your pessary. If you have questions or concerns about the pessary, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Image of woman
You can do Kegels at any time, such as when you're talking on the phone.

Doing Kegels

Kegels are simple exercises that you can do to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They may ease your symptoms and prevent further prolapse. To do a Kegel, contract your pelvic floor muscles as if to stop the urine stream. (Do this when you're not urinating.) Ask your doctor how many Kegels to do and how long to hold each one. During your treatment visits, your health care provider may place a device in your vagina to measure your Kegel contractions. That way, you can find out whether you are doing Kegel exercises right.

Living a Healthy Life

Improving your health may ease your symptoms or keep your problem from worsening. You may be asked to:

  • Quit smoking to prevent excessive coughing

  • Adjust medications that may cause urine leakage

  • Avoid lifting, which puts pressure on pelvic muscles

  • Exercise and eat well to maintain a healthy weight

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:38:15-06:00