Lifestyle and home remedies

Depending on the severity of your posterior vaginal prolapse, self-care measures may provide some relief. You could try to:

• Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles and support the weakened fascia
• Avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoid bearing down to move your bowels
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Control coughing
• Lose weight if you're overweight or obese

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. A strong pelvic floor provides better support for your pelvic organs, prevents prolapse from worsening and relieves symptoms associated with posterior vaginal prolapse.

To perform Kegel exercises:

• Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas.
• Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. If this is too difficult, start by holding for two seconds and relaxing for five seconds.
• Work up to holding the contractions for 10 seconds at a time.
• Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.

Kegel exercises may be most successful when they're taught by a physical therapist and reinforced with biofeedback. Biofeedback involves using monitoring devices that help ensure you're tightening the muscles properly for the best length of time.

Once you've learned the proper method, you can do Kegel exercises discreetly just about anytime, whether you're sitting at your desk or relaxing on the couch.