Training post hysterectomy

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello!
Hope everyone had a good day!
I bought a weight lifting belt, hoping the beginner template will get me on my way to epic gains, when I realized it would help increase abdominal pressure to keep me tight in the heavy compound lifts I also realized it would put pressure on my pelvic floor. I am 15 months post laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, took cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. Left the ovaries since I’m 30. In my recovery I had to do pelvic floor work and kegels to get it stronger. I continue this to this day mostly out of paranoia. My gynecologist told me lifting shouldnt be a problem and my risk of prolapse was low as long as I kept it strong. (Seriously wish I had found you guys sooner while I was getting back into the gym 6 weeks afterward. It was rough!) So I just have a few questions!

  1. Are pelvic floor exercises and kegels effective? Can you even strengthen the pelvic floor?

  2. How concerned do I need to be about my pelvic floor now that it’s slightly compromised?

  3. Will the lifting belt increase my risk of prolapse?

  4. Will I need to modify some exercises to decrease my risk of prolapse?

Thank you so much!
Rebecca

2

Rebecca,

Thanks for the post and I hope you’re well.

  1. There’s some data suggesting they can be useful for some forms of incontinence. If your doctor advised them, I’d continue on.

  2. I wouldn’t be concerned at all, as a gradual increase in the stimulus applied to the body will generally result in an adaptation to make it better suited for the stimuli :slight_smile:

  3. I don’t think so, no.

  4. I don’t think so.

Let’s see how you do with the Beginner Template!

-Jordan

3

Awesome! Thank you so much Doc!