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Original poster

If you're of a certain age and lift heavy weights, do you worry about prolapse?

13 replies

botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 19:53

This.

I'm post menopausal and my focus is on increasing my weights this year, to help with my bone health.

I had a minor prolapse about 14 years ago...I don't have any issues, and i skip etc etc, but I have noticed that a lack of estrogen has made a slight change "down there."

I didn't even think about whether I should be concerned about prolapse and weight lifting until I read something online last night.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
HitTheRoadJackAndDontYouComeBack · 17/02/2023 19:54

Nope, don't even think about it! (Maybe I should?)

Southstand · 17/02/2023 19:58

Yes. I've looked up about protecting your pelvic floor etc. I've moved down to a lower weight for one move as pelvic floor was not liking it. I'm menopausal.

Original poster
botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 20:00

Southstand · 17/02/2023 19:58

Yes. I've looked up about protecting your pelvic floor etc. I've moved down to a lower weight for one move as pelvic floor was not liking it. I'm menopausal.

How did your pelvic floor not like it? What was the reaction?

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NewChange · 17/02/2023 20:01

Do Pilates as well and you’re golden.

SpookTacula · 17/02/2023 20:05

My physio told me definitely not to lift after I was seen for my prolapse.

SunsetStrip · 17/02/2023 20:07

I'm 55, menopausal and lift weights several times a week. This is a total shock to me, I've never even considered this. Should I? Oh crap!

Original poster
botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 20:08

SunsetStrip · 17/02/2023 20:07

I'm 55, menopausal and lift weights several times a week. This is a total shock to me, I've never even considered this. Should I? Oh crap!

Please don't panic! Lifting weights is great for you. I was just curious about the prolapse issue. But if you've never had a prolapse, then don't worry

OP posts:
Original poster
botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 20:09

botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 20:08

Please don't panic! Lifting weights is great for you. I was just curious about the prolapse issue. But if you've never had a prolapse, then don't worry

Show quote history

I've been lifting dumb bells and doing some olympic lifting for years - some weights that would be deemed heavy by other women - and it has NEVER occurred to me until i read about it last night

OP posts:
AccidentallyFabulous · 17/02/2023 20:12

NewChange · 17/02/2023 20:01

Do Pilates as well and you’re golden.

Be careful with this - pilates definitely worsened some of my pelvic floor issues. If you are able to do Pilates in a small group with a teacher who will adapt for you where necessary that would probably be fine, but it's not available to everyone.

I have a strong family history of osteoporosis and a weak pelvic floor (no prolapse, but also no amount of exercises seem to help, and it's not 'bad enough' for the gp to refer me to physio); I'd love to lift weights for my bone health but i fear it being the end of my pelvic floor.

SongforWhoever · 17/02/2023 20:14

Once you have a prolapse, you should not lift heavy weights but not sure if this causes it.
There are other exercises which are bad for the pelvic floor, including trampoling.

LoveMyPiano · 17/02/2023 20:22

Which Pilates movements can do possible harm?
I have a reformer, and cannot imagine any of the things I do (not much, I admit) can affect pelvic floor..... But I wouldn't really know.

Also just getting back to an actual gym, but am avoiding the free weights/Smith machine - that is more due to the mirrors being prevalent there. I imagine deadlifts and squats with weights are the lifts that might possible result in a prolapse?
At the minute, I am using some machines for legs, shoulders, abs, TRX and bit of treadmill and rowing machine (avoiding also stationery bike [prefer my own real one], and could not even manage a stairmaster or whatever those things are where your feet go round and arms like ski-ing).

I do NOT want to do more harm than good!

Wolfout · 17/02/2023 20:32

I have been trying to find the answer to this but there seems to be a lot of contradictory information online.

I have a prolapse, not severe, but I also want to exercise. I know that high-impact exercises can make it worse so have joined the gym so I can use the cardio machines which are low impact. I have also been doing some weights to tone up, but don’t want to make the prolapse worse.

However I am also aware that being overweight is not good for prolapse either, so I do need to do some form of exercise. Also weight bearing exercise is good for post-menopausal bone health….

Original poster
botheredbythis · 17/02/2023 20:35

AccidentallyFabulous · 17/02/2023 20:12

Be careful with this - pilates definitely worsened some of my pelvic floor issues. If you are able to do Pilates in a small group with a teacher who will adapt for you where necessary that would probably be fine, but it's not available to everyone.

I have a strong family history of osteoporosis and a weak pelvic floor (no prolapse, but also no amount of exercises seem to help, and it's not 'bad enough' for the gp to refer me to physio); I'd love to lift weights for my bone health but i fear it being the end of my pelvic floor.

Show quote history

How do you know you have a weak pelvic floor?

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