Sometimes, but not always.
You can, however, show an improvement in prolapse symptoms which allows you to get back to living life the way you want. Which is the ultimate goal, right?!
What is a reversal of pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse, POP, is typically diagnosed based on the location of the prolapse (rectum, bladder, uterus, vaginal wall, etc) as well as the level at which the organ is descending toward the vaginal opening. This level makes up the POP grade.
A reversal of prolapse would therefore be considered to be a return to 0, or no prolapse.
But research doesn’t support this long term “reversal” for most people.
Why? Could be a number of things from the subjective way POP is graded, tissue repair, hormone levels, etc. Let’s dive a little deeper into grading.
Does prolapse grade matter?
According to the research, prolapse grade and symptoms aren’t necessarily correlated.
That means someone with a grade 1 and someone with a grade 3 could possibly describe their symptoms as the same. This boils down to a lot of different factors.
Pain perception is likely a big one. The degree to which we perceive pain is completely individual and based on so many scenarios, even the makeup of bacteria in your gut.
Muscle tension, breathing patterns, and individual strength can also affect the presentation of POP symptoms regardless of grade.
If you’re able to manipulate your diet, adjust your breathing patterns, balance tension in your pelvic floor, and build overall strength, you could see a reduction in prolapse symptoms with or without a reduction in POP grade.
Is prolapse grading even accurate?
Prolapse grades can vary day by day and even throughout the day.
Were you assessed lying down? Would you present with the same grade if you were standing or in a squat?
Many people can even see a change in POP symptoms (any maybe even grade) depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle.
If you’re initially graded a 2 prior to starting your period (when most women state an increase in symptoms) and then later graded a 1 at a time when you are mid cycle, did your POP really change or is it the natural fluctuation of your POP associated with hormone and uterus fluctuations?
I know this all can sound daunting. Once your organs start to descend towards your vagina then they’ll always be that way, right? Not so fast.
While you may not be able to reverse your prolapse completely back to zero, you can absolutely reduce your symptoms, and return to a normal life without having to worry about your pelvic floor all day long.
If you’re wanting to get back to lifting (and living) without having to worry about your pelvic floor, FIT Core Restore is for you. Get the mobility, core and pelvic floor progressions, and strength programming you need to help you transform your core and pelvic floor and get back to the life you love.
If you want to take a deep dive on more core and pelvic floor topics, join my weekly Q&A email list. It may or may not also be the only place to snag a discount on programs. So run, don’t walk, to join.
