Incontinence and Prolapse Because of Obesity - How Kegel and Pelvic Floor Exercises Can Help

Two of the major complications of obesity are incontinence and prolapse.

Losing weight happens in two ways. Subcutaneous fat is concentrated under the skin and viscous fat is placed around your internal organs. When one is overweight, a significant amount of space in the abdominal cavity is taken up by excess fat tissue.

These internal fat deposits cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and, due to gravity effects, all press down, weakening the layer of muscle tissue that forms the pelvic floor.

Also known as the pelvic diaphragm, this is a muscle swing that runs from the spine, between the legs to the genitals and extends to each sitting.

It surrounds each of the three openings in the lower pelvis - the rectum, vagina and urethra - and its main purpose is to hold the bladder, rectum and uterus.

The areas of the vagina, urethra or rectum may protrude (or herniate) through increased intra-abdominal pressure, causing damage to the muscles that control excretion or urine and stools. When weak, these carriers unwittingly or continuously cause various stages of incontinence; or not open at all, causing constipation.

Another side effect of obesity on the body's pelvic infrastructure is that the weakened muscles or weakened the uterus, bladder or rectum may begin to fall off the body. This is called prolapse and, in many cases, surgery is the only answer.

Morbid Obesity is a well-documented risk factor for all of these problems, and research shows that, while sexual functioning is often not included, obese women are twice as likely to have pelvic floor disorders as women who are more at ease.

In addition to losing weight, Kegel and pelvic floor exercises can play an important role in protecting the body from the damaging effects of abdominal pressure as they help restore the pelvic floor structure.

Regularly squeeze and release the Pubococcygeus muscle (that's what you use to urinate) runs through the entire pelvic diaphragm and helps maintain proper tension, keeping everything where it needs to be.

The main benefit of this exercise is prevention of hemarrids and urinary tract problems as increasing blood supply helps with the health and tone of these tissues.

The effects of exercise can be improved if you do the exercises at the same time using a neuromuscular stimulator. These devices are programmed to address the impulse and pressure of incontinence, as well as improve the vaginal and rectal tract through the use of vaginal and anal probes.

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