Surgical procedures designed to cure incontinence and prolapse are performed very frequently.
Women who are planning to have surgery for these conditions are wise to carefully prepare so that they give themselves the best chance of an excellent, long-lasting result. It is always disappointing to have symptoms recur after a period of time.
There are activities that will strain the surgical repair; such as unprotected lifting (shopping, child-minding, housework, gardening, and at the gym), coughing and sneezing, constipation and straining.
It is really important to prepare your pelvic floor muscles prior to surgery, so that you know exactly how to use them afterwards to protect the work done by your surgeon.
Even if your muscle control cannot be greatly improved, as is occasionally the case, you will benefit from lifestyle advice. This advice will be important for the rest of your life, not only during your recovery period.
Women who have surgery and/ or radiotherapy for cancer of the pelvic organs can have incontinence or other symptoms arise after their treatment. Women who undergo treatment for leukaemia and other cancers can develop painful changes in their vulval skin – this problem requires specialist medical management, and physiotherapy can be important to address overactivity in the perineal and pelvic floor muscles that can arise as a side-effect of treatment. Sometimes there is little time to prepare in advance, so getting advice after surgical or medical treatment can enhance recovery and improve quality of life.
Women having gynaecological surgery can be assisted to prepare and recover with the input of a suitably trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.