I can speak directly to this because I just had a hysterectomy for a prolapsed bladder and uterus. I was a sometimes runner and high impact aerobics lover.
After 2 kids, my bladder was all the way out and showing. The large hammock-like piece of tissue that holds it and all of the bladder anchors had simply given out. All the pushing also collapsed most of my vagina as wel.
I had everything repaired and now it is anchored with about 150 stitches.
Post surgery my doctor said that the BEST way to preserve the work and prevent future problems was no running, ever. No hours of walking on pavement. It is the exact motion that pounds on that tissue. I can walk up and down hills and on softer ground, but pavement is out.
Could I run - sure but it will wear the work out more quickly.
Ditto for very high impact aerobics - I keep my step low now and I'm not as "jumpy". About 16 weeks after surgery I was feeling great and hitting it hard - I started to have pressure in my pelvis and had to go in and have him check. When I say check, I mean jump up and down while he "checked". He told me to cool it a bit and cut the jumping. Also to reduce weight on the squats. I also have a pessary - which looks like a hard diaphram that I wear when I do Cathe. It helps support my bladder and keep things steady down there. I could/should have been wearing one prior to that, but my old doc was an ob/gyn and never even brought up the fact that my bladder was visible!
My surgeon the leading incontinence doc in Portland - he is also very athletic. He made it very clear to me that running is very punishing on the internal organs. Women who are prone to prolapse, have been very overweight or had multiple pregnancies may find that other exercise is less wearing and that running is not worth it.
Hope this helps....Melissa
...Carole