We don't fully understand all the factors that cause urinary leakage and prolapse, so it is difficult to recommend ways to prevent these problems. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel's) - are probably the best way to prevent stress incontinence and prolapse. Other things that might help include not smoking, avoiding repetitive strenuous activities that involve very heavy lifting (for example lifting 50lb boxes onto a truck several hours a day) and avoiding the use of forceps or vacuum assistance during childbirth. There is much discussion among urogynecolgists about how much vaginal childbirth (as opposed to cesarean section) and pregnancy itself predisposes to the development of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. It is clear that being pregnant and delivering babies are important contributors. However, it is important to remember that there are women who have never been pregnant who leak urine or have prolapse - and women who have delivered many times who do not. There is no clear answer at this time. If you are troubled by your uncontrolled urine loss or prolapse you should consider seeing your primary care physician or a urogynecologist who can evaluate the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. Seeing a specialist does not mean that you will have to have surgery. Other suggestions are listed below: Get yearly pelvic exams to watch for changes or problems. Call between visits if you have increasing symptoms. Follow these suggestions: Avoid heavy lifting (no more than 20 pounds). Watch your weight. Being over weight increases pressure on your pelvic floor. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking decreases circulation to your pelvis and a chronic cough will aggravate pelvic floor prolapse. Avoid constipation. Straining with bowel movements increases prolapse. If constipation is a problem for you, talk to us about treatment. Hormone replacement may be an option to increase the circulation to your pelvic, and restore some tissue tone. Be sure your doctor is measuring your prolapse in a systematic way – so that he/she will be able to notice subtle changes over time. The most commonly used system of measure for prolapse is called the “pelvic organ prolapse quantification” or POP-Q system.