This leaflet is aimed at encouraging movement and activity for patients experiencing lymphoedema to the genitals and pelvic area.
All videos and narrative used with permission from Cancer research UK website. Cancer research are independent from Leeds Teaching Hospitals. ©Cancer Research UK [2002] All right reserved. Information taken 06/12/2024.
Movement and activity for genital oedema
Move within your capability.
Movement and activity help your body’s circulation. This might help reduce swelling. It makes the muscles contract and pushes oedema through lymph vessels.
If you notice any signs of infection to your treatment area; such as redness, heat, swelling, discharge and you may feel unwell – seek medical attention by contacting your GP or 111 if out of hours.
Positioning yourself at rest
When you’re sitting or lying down, it helps to position yourself in a way that helps the lymph to drain. Prolonged periods of sitting is not helpful.
Deep breathing
Deep Breathing for Lymphoedema video by Cancer Research UK- You can do these breathing exercises while sitting up in a chair or in bed, or while lying down.
- Relax your shoulders and upper chest.
- Rest one of your hands below your ribs.
- Take a slow, deep, comfortable breath in through your nose, feeling your hand rise as your tummy (abdomen) rises.
- Then slowly breathe out through your mouth, so your abdomen is flat again.
- Do this 5 times.
Genital exercises
How to do Pelvic Floor Exercises by the NHS- Deep breathing exercises will help generally with moving the lymphatic fluid through your body.
- There aren’t any specific exercises to do. Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move.
- Pelvic floor exercises may also help. These target and strengthen the muscles in your pelvis. Your doctor or specialist nurse will talk you through what to do. You can find out more about how to do pelvic floor exercises on the NHS website.
Useful addresses and phone numbers
Lymphoedema support network
Contact Numbers for Leeds Cancer Support
Information lounge level Minus 2 Radiotherapy department
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 6:00pm
Tel: (0113) 206 7603
Information centre Level 1 Outpatients department
Open Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Tel: (0113) 206 8816
Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan centre
Open Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Tel: (0113) 206 6498
All above services can be emailed on: [email protected]
The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre (Leeds)
The centre is on the St James’s Hospital site and offers a variety of support services including complementary and supportive therapies.
Sir Robert Ogden Centre (Harrogate District Hospital)
Open from 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday
Maggie’s Centre Leeds
Practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer. St James University Hospital, Alma Street, Leeds LS9 7BE
Macmillan Cancer Services
7 days a week 8:00am – 8:00pm. Interpreters are available if required. For deaf or hard of hearing people dial 18001 followed by 0808 808 0000.
Jayne Garforth Macmillan Information Centre
Open 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday
The Calderdale Royal Hospital, Salterhebble, Halifax HX3 0PW
Cancer Care Centre
Open 9:00am – 4:30pm
York Hospital, Wiggington Road, York, YO31 8HE
Cancer Support Yorkshire
Open Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Daisy House Farm, 44 Smith Lane, Bradford BD9 6DA
You can contact the Lymphoedema department Monday to Friday during the day. Hours can vary; Tel: 0113 392 1807