Uterine Prolapse – Symptoms, Stages & Treatment
The uterus is held in the pelvis by muscles, ligaments, and other structures. If these tissues weaken, the uterus drops. Uterine prolapse is the displacement of the womb or uterus into the vaginal area.
Depending on the direction of uterine displacement, the prolapse will be anterior or posterior and will be called cystocele and rectocele respectively.
Generally, uterine prolapse does not require specific treatment unless the woman feels uncomfortable. In this case, the specialist will establish some advice and treatment and to help the patient so that she can lead a normal life.
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Definition of uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is the medical term used when there is a stretching of the pelvic floor ligaments, causing them to become weak. As a result, the uterus is no longer supported and falls into the vagina.
Uterine prolapse in women can occur at any age, although it is more likely in women who have had several vaginal births and have already reached menopause.
Both the diagnosis and treatment of uterine prolapse is complicated, as there are several reasons why it occurs. In addition, some symptoms experienced by some women with uterine prolapse are similar to clinical manifestations that arise in other conditions, further complicating diagnosis.
Symptoms
Most women with mild uterine prolapse do not notice any discomfort. If the uterine prolapse is moderate or severe, the most prominent symptoms are as follows:
- Urinary incontinence or sudden urge to urinate.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pressure in the vagina or pelvis.
- Lumbago.
- Repeated bladder infections.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Displacement of the uterus and cervix into the vagina.
In more serious cases, complications such as infections, ulceration of the cervix and vaginal walls, etc. can arise.
These symptoms get worse when a woman sits or stands for long periods of time and also in the early morning hours.
When some of these symptoms become more intense or interfere with your daily routine, it is best to consult your doctor.
Why does uterine prolapse happen?
Uterine prolapse is fairly common in women who have had one or more vaginal births. In addition, factors such as aging, lack of estrogen at menopause, a pelvic tumor, and other conditions that put pressure on the pelvic muscles can also cause uterine prolapse.
Although these are the most common causes of uterine prolapse, they are not the only ones. Here are other risk factors that increase a woman's chance of developing uterine prolapse:
- Giving birth to a baby of great weight and length.
- Advanced age in women.
- Obesity.
- Prolonged constipation.
- Being of hispanic or white ethnicity.
- Chronic cough.
- Lifting heavy objects.
In any case, family history should not be forgotten. If connective tissue weakness runs in your family, it may be a risk factor for uterine prolapse.
Diagnosis
The first test to diagnose uterine prolapse in women is a pelvic exam. The doctor will ask the patient to push as if she was pushing the baby out during labor. This will show how far the uterus descends into the vagina:
- If the cervix goes down to the lower part of the vagina, uterine prolapse is mild.
- If the cervix drops down outside the vaginal opening, uterine prolapse is moderate.
In addition, the doctor may ask the patient to tense the pelvic muscles in the same way as if she were going to hold her urine. The specialist will then be able to assess the strength of the pelvic muscles.
Treatment
As we have already mentioned, treatment for uterine prolapse is only necessary if the symptoms cause discomfort for the woman and prevent her from carrying out her daily activities. Many women receive it when the uterus has dropped down to the opening of the vagina.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight or avoiding exertion can help control the symptoms associated with uterine prolapse.
On the other hand, another recommended therapeutic measure is a screw-shaped device, called a pessary