Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou may be able to prevent an enterocele by doing the following:
- Lose weight. If you're overweight, losing weight can decrease the pressure inside your abdomen.
- Prevent constipation. Eat high-fiber foods, drink fluids and exercise regularly to help prevent having to strain during bowel movements.
- Treat a chronic cough. Because constant coughing can increase abdominal pressure, see your doctor if you have a chronic cough.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is likely to increase coughing.
- Avoid heavy lifting. Lifting heavy objects can increase abdominal pressure.
References
- Lentz GM. Anatomic defects of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor: Abdominal and inguinal hernias, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele, rectocele, uterine and vaginal prolapse, and rectal incontinence: Diagnosis and management. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/199482088-2/0/1524/131.html?tocnode=53759383&fromURL=131.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50023-6_663. Accessed May 3, 2010.
- ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins - Gynecology. Pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:717.
- Park AJ, et al. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and nonsurgical management of posterior vaginal defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 3, 2010.
- Hughes D, et al. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3159899. Accessed May 4, 2010.
- Tarnay CM. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2390520. Accessed May 4, 2010.
- DeLancey JOL. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and evaluation of pelvic organ support. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:818.

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