Uterine Prolapse
Introduction
The human body is an asset which keeps rewarding you till the last breath if cared properly. If not, medical conditions like Uterine Prolapse can keep troubling you every now and then. However, the improvements in medical science and self-consciousness among people which forces them out of bed early morning to exercise have made it possible to diagnose Uterine Prolapse and treat it.
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Uterine Prolapse is a medical condition in which the uterus (womb) starts obstructing the passage of the vaginal canal. The uterus gets displaced from its original position and slips into the vagina. Depending upon the severity of slippage, Uterine Prolapse is categorised into incomplete and complete prolapse. The uterus slips partially in the former, whereas in the latter, it protrudes entirely into the vagina.
Uterine Prolapse becomes more common among women after menopause. Around 14% of women who have crossed the age of 50 usually complain of it. It occurs due to the weakening of muscles and ligaments, especially the uterosacral ligaments which support the uterus and therefore protrude downwards. Other causes behind the Uterine Prolapse are:
- Difficult labour and delivery
- Multiple births or birth of a heavy child
- Obesity
- Heavy weight lifting
- Chronic Cough including bronchitis and asthma
- Smoking
- Straining due to Constipation
- Estrogen deficiency
- Surgery in the pelvic zone
- Menopause
- Family History of weak connective tissues
Uterine Prolapse is also associated with other slippages due to weak connective tissues such as anterior (cystocele) and posterior (rectocele) prolapse.
Symptoms for Uterine Prolapse vary from person to person. Women having mild prolapse are generally asymptomatic. Some of the problems you might have to face are:
- Urinary incontinence, i.e. you might face frequent leakage of urine, or you may even feel that bladder is not getting emptied properly
- A constant feeling that something is protruding out of the vagina
- A sensation of heaviness around your genitals
- Seeing a tissue coming out of the vagina
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Loss of sensation in vaginal tissue
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Trouble in bowel movement
- Difficulty in walking
Though, it is not life-threatening but can turn into it is not diagnosed timely and treatment is sought.
The most common way used by doctors to diagnose Uterine Prolapse is through internal pelvic examination. The doctor will examine for any visible protrusions in the vagina. A device called Speculum is used to get a better idea of the vagina, birth canal and uterus. You may also be examined in a standing position, and the doctor will ask you to cough or strain so that the abdomen’s movement can be examined. An ultrasound can be carried out to examine other prolapses as well. In the case of complete uterine prolapse, renal sonography will be done. A dye is injected through the vein, and then its progress through the bladder is examined. If the case is severe, the doctor will ask for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to confirm that surgery will be required.
The treatment for Uterine Prolapse can be surgical or non-surgical depending upon the severity of the problem.
- Non- Surgical treatment entails
- Kegel Exercises: If the prolapse is mild, it can be cured with pelvic exercises at home as per your doctor’s directions.
- Increase the intake of high fibre foods as they are supposed to ease the bowel movements.
- Estrogen might be administered artificially for restoring the strength of vaginal tissues. However, it does not help reverse the process of prolapse and is therefore used on selective women in post-menopause phase.
- A device called Pessary might be inserted into the vagina so that it prevents the uterus from falling into the vaginal canal.
- Lose weight to reduce the burden of pelvic muscles.
In case Uterine Prolapse is severe, you might have to undergo a surgery which depends on the level of damage caused to the vaginal wall. This process is known as hysterectomy in which the entire uterus will be removed from your body.
If the situation is moderate, all you need to do is to exercise regularly, have a healthy fibrous diet and maintain a healthy weight. Keep following the instructions given by the doctor. You’ll have regular visits even after the treatment whereby the doctor will check the progress of pelvic muscles.
The operation for Uterine Prolapse has certain risks associated with it, such as :
- Side effects due to anaesthesia
- Difficulty in having sexual intercourse after the surgery
- Infections which accompany the operation
- Intermittent Bleeding
- Urinary incontinence
- ● Inability to be pregnant again
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FAQ's
Yes, the problem increases after menopause. This is because the muscles and ligaments which hold the uterus become weak. This, in turn, weakens the pelvic area and enhances the chances of Uterine Prolapse.
Yes, it can be inherited. People get weaker connective tissues from their parents, and this makes them more prone to Uterine Prolapse.
No, it is not mandatory. It depends on the severity of the problem. In mild cases, the problem can be rectified with Kegel exercises which strengthen the pelvic muscles.
No. Hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus. No womb leads to no pregnancy. Also, the pelvic muscles will not have enough strength to carry the weight of the child.
Yes, you can. Insert a finger in your vagina and find if there is any protrusion or if anything is obstructing the passage of the birth canal. If yes, you need to visit the doctor soon.