Uterine Prolapse – symptoms, causes, risk and prevention

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What is Uterine Prolapse?

Uterine Prolapse is the condition where the uterus becomes weak. The uterus is located in the pelvis. The uterus is a reproductive organ. Uterine Prolapse occurs when the weakened or damaged muscles or tissues such as ligaments of the uterus fall into the vagina.

The Uterine Prolapse condition is differentiated into two types:

  1. Complete Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus completely falls into the vagina.
  2. Incomplete Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus is partially sagging into the Vagina.

What are the stages of Uterine Prolapse?

The severity of Uterine Prolapse may range from mild to severe. The stages show the degree of fall of the uterus. The degree is scaled from stages 1 to 4.

Stage 1: The weakened uterus dropped into the upper vagina.

Stage 2: The fallen cervix muscles or supporting tissues have descended to the opening of the vagina.

Stage 3: The stage where the cervix is out of the vagina.

Stage4: The stage where the uterus and cervix are discharged through the vagina.

The classification of the stages will make the diagnosis and treatment easier. The severe stage may need surgery.

What causes Uterine Prolapse?

Women of all ages are all likely to develop Uterine Prolapse. This happens because of the weakening of the uterus muscles and supportive tissues. The major cause includes:

  • Complications during pregnancy
  • Difficult labour (babies more than 9 pounds)
  • Injuries during childbirth
  • Obesity
  • Ageing (makes the muscles weak and prolapse)
  • Pelvic surgery (minor and major surgery)
  • The falling level of oestrogen after menopause
  • Chronic cough

What are the symptoms of Uterine Prolapse? 

Uterine Prolapse is not obvious if the stage is mild. Commonly, many women with Uterine Prolapse will not experience the symptoms. The symptoms may vary following the severity of the conditions.

If the Uterine Prolapse is complete, there it leaves no symptoms. But there will be certain symptoms and discomfort regarding the conditions. The common symptoms of Uterine Prolapse include:

  • Discomfort or pressure in pelvic
  • Pain in the pelvic, abdomen and lower back
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Difficulty during urination or bowel movement
  • Bladder infection
  • Frequent urination problems

How is Uterine Prolapse diagnosed?

A medical emergency is required if any discomfort or abnormalities are felt regarding the symptoms mentioned above. The consultation starts with the discussion of medical history and experienced symptoms. Then the following diagnosis process is involved:

A pelvic exam: A physical examination will help the doctor check for the prolapse of the uterus.  

Imagery test: Imagery tests like MRI and CT scans provide a picture of the body organs. That helps to plan the medications and surgery accordingly.

Speculum test: It is a small and thin device used to look inside the vagina and cervix. The device is inserted into the vagina to check for prolapse.

What are the treatments for Uterine Prolapse?

As mentioned above, the treatment depends upon the stage and severity of the Uterine Prolapse. The treatment comes on the page only if the condition is severe. The initial stages (mild stages) are treated with self-care techniques and medications.

Self-care techniques: Mild stages of Uterine Prolapse will be treated with Kegel exercise. Kegel exercise can be performed at anytime and anywhere. This helps to improve and strengthen the muscles and supportive tissues of the uterus. Weight loss management is also added to the self-care techniques for better results.

Vaginal pessary: A pessary is a rubber tube that is placed inside the vagina. The device will support the uterus and keep it from sagging. The Pessary requires regular cleaning.

Surgery treatment for Uterine Prolapse includes uterine suspension or hysterectomy.

Uterine suspension: This surgery can replace the uterus in the same position.

Hysterectomy: During this surgical process, the uterus is completely removed either through the abdomen or vagina.

Risk and prevention

The risk factors for Uterine Prolapse are the same as the causes of the conditions. It is a known fact; that weakness is the principal cause of Uterine Prolapse. So, the prevention methods should include the benefits that will strengthen the uterus muscles and supporting tissues.

  • Follow Kegel exercise
  • Treat chronic cough and constipation
  • Avoid weight lifting
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Conclusion 

Many health complications are associated with Uterine Prolapse. That’s why consulting a doctor is necessary. Sagging of the uterus includes the weakening of the connecting tissues that are separating the bladder and vagina; this may cause bladder prolapse.

There is no way to prevent Uterine Prolapse, but avoiding the trigger factory and following a healthy diet and exercises can reduce the risk of Uterine Prolapse.  


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The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.

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