As obesity rates go up, it is soon becoming a health problem. While the health risks directly associated with obesity are well-known, the indirect health effects are gradually becoming apparent. One of the ones we are following at our clinic is the effects of weight on pelvic floor disorders.
Studies have shown that obesity has been found to exacerbate urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. In terms of treatment, surgery outcomes for incontinence are no different for patients who are and aren’t obese, but preliminary studies have found that the chances of not having urinary incontinence in the first place are much reduced if one isn’t obese to begin with.
Many studies have come to the conclusion that a high BMI along with a high body weight is associated with pelvic organ prolapse. In one study, it was found that almost 40 per cent of women with the condition were obese. But if the risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse increases with unhealthy weight gain, the reverse is also true: another study found that 71 per cent of patients with incontinence no longer experienced the symptoms after undergoing bariatric surgery. Stability of the pelvic floor is strong linked to one’s weight.
While seeking a medical professional’s opinion and help is strongly recommended when it comes to something as personal and important as your pelvic floor, there are some ways you can help prevent this from the comfort of your own home. Exercises that involve relaxing and squeezing your pelvic floor muscles to keep them strong are an easy and helpful first step in addition to maintaing or losing weight.
At Southern Urogynecology, we provide a full range of wellness and health care for women of all ages. We offer weight loss services to help prevent the onset of any pelvic floor or urinary condition. We also provide surgical and non-surgical pelvic prolapse and urinary disorder treatments depending on your health needs.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a pelvic floor condition, or you simply want to ensure that you don’t experience the symptoms in the first place, don’t delay in contacting us. We’ll be able to provide you with the health advice and service you need to enjoy a better quality of life.
