Pelvic floor muscles and ligaments degenerate and no longer offer enough support for the uterus, resulting in the prolapse of the uterus. As a result, the uterus enters or exits the vagina in an abnormal manner.
Women of any age might suffer from uterine prolapse. However, postmenopausal women who have had one or more vaginal deliveries are more likely to be affected by it.
Most women with mild uterine prolapse do not require medical attention. However, if uterine prolapse causes discomfort or interferes with your daily routine, therapy may be necessary.
How is uterine prolapse treated?
Uterine prolapse can be treated surgically or non-surgically. The severity of your prolapse, your overall health, your age, and whether or not you plan on having children in the future will all play a role in your healthcare provider's recommendation for treatment. Most women benefit from treatment. There are many possibilities for treatment, such as:
Non-surgical options
- Exercise: Pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region. Even in minor cases of uterine prolapse, this may be the only thing that's needed to fix the problem. Tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're trying to hold back urine while performing Kegel exercises. For a few seconds, contract your muscles and then relax them. Ten times is a good rule of thumb. These workouts can be done at any time and anywhere (up to four times a day).
- Vaginal pessary: If you're having trouble getting pregnant, you may want to consider using the vaginal pessary, a doughnut-shaped device that wraps around or under your uterus (cervix). This contraption aids in uterine support and positioning. A healthcare expert will fit and place the pessary, which must be cleaned periodically and removed before sex is permitted.
Surgical options
- Hysterectomy and prolapse repair: Uterine prolapse can be addressed surgically by performing a hysterectomy and then performing prolapse repair surgery. Vaginal hysterectomy can be performed by making an incision (cut) in the vagina, or through the belly (abdominal hysterectomy) (abdominal hysterectomy). Pregnancy is out of the question after a hysterectomy because the uterus is removed.
- Prolapse repair without hysterectomy: If the uterus is prolapsed, it can be repaired without hysterectomy by returning it to its usual position. The pelvic ligaments can be reattached to the lower section of the uterus to maintain it in place during the uterine suspension. Depending on the approach, the procedure might be carried out via the vagina or the abdominal.