The Benefits of Compression for Prolapse, Vulvar Varicosities, and Postpartum Recovery
Living with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or vulvar varicosities can be challenging and can affect your daily life in many ways. Many people experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from a sensation of heaviness in the pelvic area to pain and swelling that worsens throughout the day. These symptoms are common in people who have recently given birth as the postpartum period can bring a whole new set of experiences for your pelvic health.
While these conditions are common, they can feel scary, overwhelming, and isolating. Fortunately, the right pelvic floor support garments can make a significant difference. In this post, Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski PT, DPT, CSCS, PCES shares her knowledge on how compression garments, specifically designed for pelvic health, can alleviate symptoms, support recovery, and enhance overall well-being for those dealing with prolapse, vulvar varicosities, and postpartum recovery.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Prolapse
The pelvic floor muscles are the base of the pelvis and perform a variety of jobs for our bodies. They help us remain continent with bowel and bladder function, they help us eliminate waste when we want to do so, they allow for and improve sexual function, and they support our pelvic organs.
In the case of pelvic organ prolapse, the muscles are not often to blame for the development of prolapse. Most prolapse occurs because of damage to the connective tissues (ligaments and fascia) supporting the pelvic organs. Impaired muscle function on top of these defects in connective tissue can worsen a person’s prolapse symptoms, which may include a sensation of a bulge present in the vagina, pain in the pelvis or vulva, soreness especially as the day goes on, and a general sense of heaviness in the pelvic floor muscles.
How to Address Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness (Hypotonic Pelvic Floor)
If you experience weakness or laxity of the pelvic floor muscles, your prolapse symptoms may be made worse by a lack of hammock support under the organs. (This is sometimes called a “hypotonic” pelvic floor.) It is common to experience weakness and coordination issues in the pelvic floor muscles, especially in people who have given birth. These folks often feel symptoms worsening as the day progresses due to the effect gravity has on their pelvic organs throughout the day.
To combat this, a supportive undergarment that facilitates a gentle pelvic floor muscle contraction can significantly improve symptoms. Compression on the pelvic floor muscles externally provides sensory feedback to improve the muscles’ function. Moreover, an external hammock aids the muscles in their supportive role and helps combat the effects of gravity.
How to Address Pelvic Floor Muscle Tightness (Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)
On the other hand, you may be experiencing a hypertonic (also known as a “high-tone”) pelvic floor. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are overactive leading to fatigue, pain, and heaviness. Other symptoms of a hypertonic pelvic floor include difficulty emptying the bowel and bladder and pain with intercourse.
Contrary to popular belief, this condition is more common in postpartum people than too much laxity in the muscles. Compression underwear can provide the body with external feedback allowing the muscles to feel better supported. By slightly compressing the muscles, the pelvic floor can now relax as the muscles no longer feel the burden of remaining contracted all the time.
How Hem Support Wear’s Garments Can Help
Supportive undergarments that provide the right amount of targeted compression can significantly improve the lives of people with pelvic organ prolapse. Whether you experience pelvic floor weakness or tightness, the hammock support panel in Hem Support Wear’s garments provides the right balance of compression and comfort. The external counter pressure allows the pelvic floor muscles to work more optimally. When the pelvic floor muscles are happy, prolapse symptoms are reduced and better managed.
Understanding Vulvar Varicosities
Another common condition that causes symptoms similar to prolapse are vulvar varicosities. This condition occurs when the veins around the vulva dilate and blood becomes stagnant. The venous return of blood to the heart slows as this fluid collects in the pelvic area. Similar to varicose veins in the legs, vulvar varicosities can be painful and uncomfortable.
Managing Symptoms of Vulvar Varicosities with Compression
One of the best treatments for prevention and reduction of varicosities is compression. The best type of compression is one that balances the right amount of pressure without impeding blood flow.
Vulvar varicosity symptoms tend to worsen as the day goes on because gravity is affecting the blood flow and allowing for additional pooling in the legs and pelvis. To get ahead of the increased swelling and subsequent symptoms, compression should be applied first thing in the morning and worn throughout the day.
The vulvar compression that Hem Support Wear offers is firm enough to prevent and improve symptoms and gentle enough to not restrict the tissues. Another important symptom relief technique for varicosities is to elevate the legs and pelvis at the end of the day. This can look like laying on your back with your feet up the wall with a pillow under your hips. A few mins per day in this position will assist blood flow back to the heart and reduce swelling.
Postpartum Benefits of Pelvic Floor Compression
Postpartum individuals all benefit from pelvic floor compression garments regardless of prolapse status. Towards the end of pregnancy most people experience increased blood flow and mild swelling in the vulva and pelvis.
This tends to linger postpartum for both vaginal and c-section deliveries. Following a vaginal delivery the swelling commonly sticks around in the pelvic floor muscles which were stretched three times their resting length. After a cesarean the swelling tends to accumulate in the pelvis and abdomen. There is a prolonged period of immobility following a c-section that allows this extra fluid to collect in the pelvis and around the pelvic floor muscles. Compression to this area helps reduce further swelling and encourages blood flow back to the circulatory system. This aids in a faster recovery and improved muscle function following childbirth.
The benefits of compression garments for people with prolapse or vulvar varicosities are numerous and can facilitate both a reduction in existing symptoms and help with symptom prevention. Moreover, individuals who have recently given birth can utilize compression to ease and quicken recovery.
About Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski, PT, DPT, CSCS, PCES
Margo Kwiatkowski is the founder of P4Moms Physical Therapy. She is a pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist based in Ventura, California. She had made it her life mission to educate about prolapse after experiencing the diagnosis after the birth of her first child.
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**Medical Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide information and resources only. This post or any of the information contained within should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your healthcare, conditions, and recommended treatment.