What exercises should you avoid with prolapse?
Women with pelvic organ prolapse should avoid high-impact and heavy resistance exercises that place excess pressure on the pelvic floor, such as running, jumping, heavy weightlifting, sit-ups, and crunches.
Detailed Medical Explanation
High-impact and strenuous core exercises can increase intra-abdominal pressure and push pelvic organs downward, worsening prolapse. Exercises to avoid include double leg lifts, V-sits, jumping jacks, box jumps, and any move that strains the pelvic floor. Low-impact alternatives like walking, cycling, Pilates, and swimming are generally safe. A specialist women’s health physiotherapist can tailor a safe fitness plan. (NHS: Living with prolapse)
Clinical Context
Avoiding unsafe movements protects pelvic health and prolongs the benefits of conservative management or surgery. Always listen to your body and adapt routines as advised.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Guidance from the NHS and physiotherapists focuses on minimising pelvic floor strain and encouraging safe, lifelong activity. (NHS: Living with prolapse)