Bladder prolapse (The Sunday Times, 17th December 2006)

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Q. I developed a mild bladder prolapse after my son was born by forceps delivery. I find this quite uncomfortable, and often feel that I urgently need to go to the loo, particularly when walking. My consultant thinks that I may also have some nerve damage, and has prescribed a low dose of Amitriptyline. I have been doing pelvic-floor exercises for six months, but have seen little improvement. What could you suggest to help?




A.I suggest that you turn to traditional Chinese medicine, which recognises that pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum (the time after childbirth) are times when the body and certain organs are deficient in qi (energy) and need to be nurtured and replenished.


I suggest that you avoid ingesting any herbs initially. Instead, try acupuncture, combined with moxibustion, the process of burning the herb mugwort over acupoints and specific parts of your body. Neither will interfere with the medication your consultant has prescribed. Although the acupuncture points chosen during a consultation will be tailored to your individual needs, it is likely that both the kidneys and spleen would need strengthening postpartum, not least because these organs are specifically related to incontinence and prolapse. Contact the British Acupuncture Council (020 8735 0400) to find a qualified acupuncturist.


Other simple measures include resting and restoring your energy; keeping your lower back and abdomen warm day and night (ie, with a hot-water bottle); eating only warming foods; and including ginger in your food and drinks, to strengthen your spleen.








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