Uterine Prolapse

Definition

Falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal.

Overview

In Uterine prolapse, uterus is held by special ligaments such as pelvic connective tissue and pubococcygeus muscle. When these tissues weaken, this allows the uterus to fall into the vaginal canal. Uterine prolapse mostly occur in women who had at least one or more vaginal births. Various other problems arises which makes the muscles weak are chronic bronchitis, obesity, chronic constipation etc.

Cause and Risk

• Menopause
• Obesity
• Childbirth
• Persistent cough
• Weak pelvic floor muscles

Sign and Symptoms

• Low backache
• Difficult or painful sexual intercourse
• Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
• Feeling of vaginal fullness
• Bladder control problems
• Feeling of rectal fullness

When to Call a Doctor

The person suffering from this disease should take an appointment with the doctor if he sees the symptoms of uterine prolapse.

Diagnosis of Uterine Prolapse

A pelvic examination is done to check whether the cervix is in a lowered position in the vagina. The women should contact the gynecologist to discuss her problem. The doctor can ask about the medical history of the patient. After knowing about her problems then she is physically examined while lying down or by standing. Various other tests are also been conducted:-

• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

These tests are done to evaluate uterine prolapse.

Treatment of Uterine Prolapse

If the person is having mild uterine prolapse then no treatment is necessary. If the person is having lung disease and it is treated properly but this will slow down the progression of uterine prolapse.

There are various treatments available for treating uterine prolapse and they are:-

• Vaginal pessary - This is fitted into the vagina so that it can hold uterus in right place. This treatment can be considered as a temporary or permanent form of treatment. This is of many shapes and sizes so that the doctor can fit according to the need. After it has been fitted properly, a doctor advice the patient to walk, sit and squat. It should be removed after cleaning with soap and water periodically. This treatment has disadvantages also like in case of severe uterine prolapse it can irritate vaginal tissues, cause ulcers and foul smell.

• Lifestyle changes - If the person is overweight or obese, then the doctor advised the patient to have a healthy weight and maintain that weight. He can recommend some exercises too and avoid heavy lifting and straining.

• Surgery to repair uterine prolapse- If these treatments fail then the doctor recommend the patient for a surgery. The surgery depends on:-

• Preservation of vaginal function
• Associated conditions
• The woman’s age and general health
• Degree of prolapse

There are some procedures which are done without removing the uterus such as sacral colpopexy.

The surgery involves:-

• Repairing the pelvic floor muscles which will provide support to the pelvic organs

• Hysterectomy is done in which uterus is removed.

Prevention

The following precautions should be taken when uterine prolapse occurs:-

• Kegel exercises should be practiced

• Coughing should be controlled

• A healthy weight should be maintained