I have bulge outside of the vaginal area, will the Lift program help? Or is surgery required?
By: Dr. Brianne Grogan, PT, DPT
If your prolapse is showing outside of the vagina then it's likely a grade 3 prolapse, which is less responsive to conservative treatment (i.e. the Lift program) as a way to reverse the bulge.
That being said, the Lift program would be a great way to prepare for surgery AND will be good for your recovery, once you're given clearance for gentle core strengthening exercises.
Lift helps you learn how to identify, release, and gradually strengthen the muscles of your core and pelvic floor, and most importantly, teaches you lifestyle tips that can help prevent your symptoms from getting worse. So even if Lift doesn't reverse or eliminate your symptoms altogether, it can absolutely help prevent them from progressing.
If you do require surgical intervention in the future, strengthening your body and incorporating the Lifted Lifestyle tips (found in the program) will make you stronger and healthier going into surgery. It can also be used as “pre-hab” and “re-hab” before and after the procedure.
I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!