POP at 65 / Story at 72
It was reassuring to hear I was not the only one affected by POP, and that about 50 percent of women are affected by this.
At the age of about 65 I noticed that after extreme exercising or heavy exertion, there was a restriction in my vagina when urinating and during sexual contact.
Having had a hysterectomy at 54 years old I was concerned for my health and also my fitness. I had been practising Pilates for ten years, was an avid gardener and still employed.
I am 72 now and after a referral to a male gynaecologist five years ago (an embarrassing experience), the outcome was no elected surgery. The ‘mesh method’ was very controversial and wasn’t recommended.
As far as I know, any further information of safe procedures for remedying this condition has not been made available.
I am still active – practicing Pilates and bike riding – but do have to take care lifting heavy objects, walking long distances and standing upright for too long. I used to love tramping but am unsure now whether the weight that one needs to carry could possibly make things worse.
I totally believe if I did not have the knowledge of activating my pelvic floor muscles with the Pilates practice, I would be worse off.
