Many pelvic prolapses can gradually worsen and are only corrected with surgery. However, less severe instances of the condition can be alleviated by a combination of at-home or alternative medicine. Here are a few of those options:
- Modify physical activity: For minor cases of pelvic prolapse, the doctor may recommend abstaining from strenuous activity like heavy lifting.
- Pessary device: A pessary is a small device capable of offering additional support for the vagina. The non-surgical treatment can be most appropriate for women who are not sexually active, are not candidates for surgery, or in need of a stop-gap measure until surgery can be performed.
- Kegel exercises: These exercises are capable of tightening the pelvic floor muscles. Kegels are often used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of pelvic prolapse or to supplement other treatments for more serious instances of the condition.
- Electrical stimulation: A doctor can apply a probe to specific muscles within the vagina or on the pelvic floor. The probe is then connected to a device that measures and delivers small currents of electricity that contract the muscles. These contractions can stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Biofeedback: During a biofeedback session, special devices are placed in or around the vagina to monitor the pelvic floor. The patient is then asked to contract the pelvic floor muscles while the strength of the contraction is visible on a computer screen. This interactive approach allows the patient to gain control of and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, potentially reversing or alleviating symptoms of pelvic prolapse.