What is uterine prolapse?
A uterine prolapse is a condition in which the internal supports of the uterus become weak over time. This can happen during pregnancy, and it's called a "prolapse." The uterus is located in your pelvis and looks like a pear-shaped organ. During pregnancy, it grows larger to hold a baby. The amniotic sac helps to hold the developing baby during pregnancy. After the baby is born, the sac contracts and returns to its normal size.
Prolapses can vary depending on the severity of the supports that the uterus has. In an incomplete prolapse, the uterus may have slipped enough to be partially in the vagina (birth canal). This can create a lump or bulge. In a more severe case, the uterus may have slipped far enough that it is felt outside of the vagina. When a woman's vagina prolapses, this is called a complete prolapse.
Explanation of medical terms and concepts Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse happens once girdle floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken and not give enough support for the womb. As a result, the womb slips down into or protrudes out of the epithelial duct.
Uterine prolapse will occur in ladies of any age. however it usually affects biological time ladies who've had one or additional channel deliveries.
Mild female internal reproductive organ prolapse sometimes does not need treatment. however if female internal reproductive organ prolapse causes you to uncomfortable or disrupts your traditional life, you may enjoy treatment.
Uterine prolapse also known as uterine procidentia is the downward displacement of a woman's uterus from its normal position into an opening in the vaginal wall The condition is sometimes referred to as a "fallen womb." It often occurs when pelvic muscles that support the uterus and vagina are weak or damaged
: What is it and what can I do about it? A uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus slides downward into the vagina Often confusingly referred to as a pelvic organ prolapse this condition is one of the most common gynecologic problems affecting 10-15 percent of women in varying degrees Many times however women who suffer from it are unaware of their condition or simply choose to ignore it until experiencing symptoms that impact their daily lives.
Who gets uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is most likely to occur in women who: -Are over age 40 -Have had two or more children -Are obese
Have had one or more vaginal deliveries.
Are post-menopausal.
Prolapse is a condition in which the uterus (womb) falls down through the vagina. If you have family members who have had prolapse, it might be a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.
If you haven’t had a period for 12 straight months, you have entered menopause. One of the hormones that stops during this time is estrogen. This particular hormone helps regulate your monthly menstrual cycle. Don't slack off when it comes to your pelvic muscles - they're essential for preventing a prolapse.
How common is uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is a fairly common condition. You are more likely to develop the condition as you get older. Additionally, if you have had multiple vaginal deliveries during childbirth throughout your life, you are at a higher risk of uterine prolapse.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes uterine prolapse?
Your uterus is housed in the pelvis by a group of muscles and ligaments. When these structures weaken, the uterus can start to sag. Several factors can contribute to this weakening, such as childbirth, chronic pain, obesity, and aging. Some muscles include:
Aging can cause a decrease in muscle tone.
If you have given birth before, you are at an increased risk for injury. This is especially true if you have had many babies or babies that were larger than nine pounds.
Obesity.
Chronic coughing or straining can lead to hemorrhoids.
Chronic constipation.
Pregnancy
Uterine prolapse results from the weakening of pelvic muscles and supportive tissues. Causes of weakened pelvic muscles and tissues include:
Difficult labor and delivery or trauma during childbirth
Delivery of a large baby
Being overweight or obese
Lower estrogen level after menopause
Chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements
Chronic cough or bronchitis
Repeated heavy lifting
What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?
If you have a mild case of uterine prolapse, you may not have any obvious symptoms. However, as the uterus slips further out of position, it can place pressure on other pelvic organs, such as the bladder or bowel, and cause symptoms like:
Pelvic pressure can be a sign that something is wrong.
If you are experiencing pain in your pelvis or lower back, it might be because of an injury.
Pain during sex (intercourse).
Uterine tissue that falls out of the vagina.
Frequent bladder infections.
A woman may experience unusual or excessive discharge from her vagina.
Constipation.
There are times when someone cannot control when they urinate (incontinence), needs to go to the bathroom frequently (urinary frequency), or has sudden urges to urinate (urinary urgency).
If you stand or walk for a long time, your symptoms may worsen. This is because the pressure on your pelvic muscles is increased when you are in these positions.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is uterine prolapse diagnosed?
During the exam, the healthcare provider will insert a speculum into your vagina and examine your uterus. If it has lowered from its normal position, the provider will perform a pelvic examination to determine the cause. You will feel for any bumps in the vaginal canal caused by the uterus dropping down.
Treatment and Management
How is uterine prolapse treated?
Your healthcare provider will decide which treatment option is best for you based on the severity of your prolapse, your age, and whether or not you want children in the future. Treatment is generally effective for most women. There are many treatment options available, including:
Non-surgical options
Exercise: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. If done correctly, these exercises will help to stop or reduce the flow of urine in cases of mild uterine prolapse. To do Kegel exercises, contract your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to stop a stream of urine. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and then release it. Do these exercises 10 times. You can do them anywhere and at any time (up to four times a day).
Vaginal pessary:A pessary is a rubber or plastic doughnut-shaped device that is inserted into the lower part of the uterus (cervix). This device helps to support the uterus and keep it in place. A healthcare provider will fit and insert the pessary, which must be cleaned frequently and removed before sexual activity.
Surgical options
Hysterectomy and prolapse repair: Uterine prolapse may be treated by removing the uterus through a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. This involves making an incision in the vagina or abdomen. A hysterectomy is a very big surgery and it means removing the uterus. Pregnancy is no longer a possibility.
Prolapse repair without hysterectomy This procedure will put the uterus back in its normal position. Uterine suspension may be done by reconnecting the pelvic ligaments to the lower part of the uterus, which will hold it in place. The surgery can be performed through the vagina or through the abdomen, depending on the technique used. This is something that is going to be used.
What are the possible complications of uterine prolapse?
If you don't treat a uterine prolapse, it can have negative impacts on other organs in the pelvic area of your body. A prolapsed uterus can cause problems with your bowel and bladder. It can also be painful and hinder your sex life.
Prevention
Can uterine prolapse be prevented?
You cannot prevent all cases of uterine prolapse, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Some lifestyle choices that may help reduce the chance of prolapse include:
Maintaining a healthy body weight.
Regular exercise is beneficial. You can also do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regime.
Eating a healthy diet is something that you should talk to your healthcare provider about. They can help you create a meal plan that is specifically tailored to your needs.
Quit smoking. This will reduce your risk of developing a chronic cough, which can put extra strain on your pelvic muscles.
Using proper lifting techniques.
What are proper lifting techniques?
There are several ways to help you avoid injury when lifting heavy objects. These include:
Do not try to lift objects that are unusually shaped or too heavy for you to handle by yourself. Avoid lifting anything that is above your waist level.
Before you lift an object, make sure your feet are steady.
When picking up an object that is lower than your waist, keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips. Do not bend forward at the waist with your knees bent.
Stand close to the object you want to pick up, with your feet firmly on the ground. Tense your stomach muscles and lift the object using your leg muscles. Keep your knees straight while you move the object up to your body in a smooth motion. Do not jerk the object away from the ground.
Do not twist when lifting an object. Always stand with your feet moving forward.
If you are lifting an object from a table, move it to the edge of the table so you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and stand up.
When wrapping packages, hold them close to your body with your arms bent. Keep your stomach muscles tight. Take small steps and go slowly.
To lower an object, place your feet in the same position you would use to lift it, tighten your stomach muscles, and bend your hips and knees.
Outlook / Prognosis
Will a uterine prolapse happen again?
Sometimes treatment for a uterine prolapse is successful. However, sometimes the prolapse comes back. This is more common in women who have a very severe prolapse or are obese.
What is the outlook for uterine prolapse?
The outlook for uterine prolapse is usually good. There are usually very positive results from treatment for the condition, which can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have. You may have concerns about prolapse. Your provider can help you develop a treatment plan and provide you with advice on maintaining good lifestyle habits to prevent future prolapses.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Depending on the severity of your uterine prolapse, self-care measures may provide relief. You could try to:
Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles and support the weakened fascia
Avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids
Avoid bearing down to move your bowels
Avoid heavy lifting
Control coughing
Lose weight if you're overweight or obese
Kegel exercises
:Kegel exercises strengthen your girdle floor muscles. a powerful girdle floor provides higher support for your girdle organs, prevents prolapse from worsening and relieves symptoms related to female internal reproductive organ prolapse.
To perform exercising
Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas.
Hold the contraction for five seconds, and then relax for five seconds. If this is too difficult, start by holding for two seconds and relaxing for three seconds.
Work up to holding the contractions for 10 seconds at a time.
Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.
Kegel exercises could also be most thriving once they are schooled by a physiotherapist and strengthened with training program. training program involves victimization observation devices that facilitate guarantee you are adjustment the muscles properly for the simplest length of your time.
Once you have learned the right technique, you'll be able to do pubococcygeus exercises discreetly on the subject of anytime, whether or not you are sitting at your table or reposeful on the couch.
Preparing for your appointment
You may be referred to a gynecologist.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
List symptoms you've been having, and for how long
List all medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including the doses
List key personal and medical information, including other conditions, recent life changes and stressors
Prepare questions to ask your doctor
For uterine prolapse, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What can I do at home to ease my symptoms?
What are the chances that the prolapse will worsen if I don't do anything?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
How likely is it that uterine prolapse will happen again if I have surgery to treat it?
What are the risks of surgery?
During your appointment, don't hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
What symptoms are you experiencing?
When did you first notice your symptoms? Have they worsened over time?
Do you have pelvic pain?
Do you ever leak urine?
Have you had a severe or ongoing cough?
Do you do any heavy lifting in your job or daily activities?
Do you strain during bowel movements?
Has anyone in your family ever had uterine prolapse or any other pelvic problems?
How many children have you given birth to? Were your deliveries vaginal?
Do you plan to have children in the future?
General summary
Prolapse of the uterus is a condition in which the uterus sags into or protrudes out of the vagina Signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the prolapse In some women there are no symptoms at all while in others it can cause pressure that interferes with everyday activities such as running or cycling
Can a prolapsed uterus heal itself?
Generally prolapsed uterus do not heal completely on their own The cervix is the neck of the uterus and it normally separates from the uterus during labor A small number of women (5 percent) experience some degree of postpartum uterine prolapse or uterine descent This usually resolves itself without any treatment within six months after birth However only 25 to 50 percent will see complete resolution and this can take up to a year
How do you treat a prolapsed uterus at home?
Prolapse is a medical term that refers to a condition in which the uterus slides down into or protrudes out of the vagina according to Medline Plus The most common cause of prolapse is naturally occurring pressure over time which can be the result of pregnancy or natural weakening due to age A woman who suspects she has prolapse should seek treatment as soon as possible To treat prolapse at home before seeking medical help an individual should gently cleanse the area with warm water and mild soap She can also use medications specifically formulated for women's problems to reduce pain and swelling improve blood flow and promote healing of
Can you push a uterine prolapse back up?
No a uterine prolapse is not something that can be ‘pushed’ back up A woman with a uterine prolapse has lost her normal support system It is important to see an experienced pelvic floor nurse or physiotherapist for treatment which may include exercises and the use of pessaries to help hold the uterus in place until surgery can be arranged Surgery can also be used to lift the cervix and repair any tears in the ligaments which are supporting the uterus
Can you feel a prolapsed uterus with your finger?
Yes a prolapse is usually felt with your finger Begin by sitting in front of the mirror and spreading your legs apart Place the index and middle fingers of one hand inside you vagina on either side of your pubic bone Gently press upward using each finger If a uterine prolapse occurs you should be able to feel it with your fingers
How do I know if my prolapse is severe?
If you experience pain leaking of urine or stool or a feeling that your pelvic floor has fallen out see your doctor Prolapse ranges in severity from mild to severe Treatments are available whether symptoms are mild or severe You may want to talk with your obstetrician and/or gynecologist about options for treatment before the prolapse becomes very large It is rare for a prolapse to suddenly happen without warning signs; however there have been reports of some crazing and bulging without any noticeable discomfort prior to the event
What happens if you leave a prolapse untreated?
Long-term prolapse can lead to vaginal wall thinning and weakened muscles The constant pressure from the protrusion of the organ against the surrounding tissue may lead to secondary conditions including cysts rectal or bladder incontinence infections and chronic pain In some cases a vagina that has been left untreated for years may be so damaged that it requires surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct
Is uterine prolapse an emergency?
Uterine prolapse is a condition where the uterus drops out of its proper place in the pelvis Uterine prolapse is a serious health problem and if you have symptoms it's important to discuss them with your doctor right away If left untreated uterine prolapse can lead to serious complications such as heavy bleeding and needing surgery