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Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is the term used to describe a condition when a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch out so much that they become weak, which means the pelvic floor is now not strong enough to fully support the uterus. If the uterus is no longer fully supported, it is not able to stay in its proper place. This means that the uterus will eventually shift lower and lower as it no longer has proper support in place, making it so that it could potentially enter the vagina or even protrude from the vagina. In order for a woman to know whether or not she has this condition, she must undergo a pelvic exam.
According to Healthline, the risk of having a prolapsed uterus increases as a woman ages and her estrogen levels decrease.
Common Causes and Symptoms
There are quite a few causes that can lead to a woman experiencing weakened pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, which can happen at any age. The symptoms that come with uterine prolapse tend to be minimal or nonexistent for mild cases. It is when these mild cases begin to become more severe that a woman will often begin to experience one or more noticeable symptoms.
Common causes of uterine prolapse:
- Pregnancy, with women more likely to experience prolapse when they have a difficult delivery or deliver a large baby
- Obesity
- Having a low estrogen level, especially after menopause
- Experiencing chronic constipation or straining too hard when making a bowel movement
- Being diagnosed with bronchitis or having a cough that will not go away
- Lifting heavy objects over and over again
Common symptoms associated with uterine prolapse:
- A feeling of heaviness located in the pelvic area
- New tissue inside of the vagina or coming out of the vagina
- Urinary issues, which includes the inability to hold urine as well as not urinating often
- Bowel movement issues
Uterine Prolapse Treatment Options
When a woman is diagnosed with mild uterine prolapse, it may not be necessary for her to undergo any type of treatment. It is when the prolapse begins to interfere with a woman’s ability to enjoy her everyday life that she will most benefit from treatment. Treatment options will vary and are dependent on each woman’s individual situation. Treatment options include following self-care measures given by medical professional, wearing a special ring that can help support the uterus, undergoing surgery to repair the weak pelvic floor muscles and ligaments or to perform a hysterectomy.
Could You Have Uterine Prolapse?
If you think you have uterine prolapse then your next step is contacting us and setting up an appointment for a full evaluation. If you are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms then this could be a sign that your prolapse is in its more advanced stages. The only way you can know for sure whether or not you are suffering from this medical issue is to come into our office as soon as you can. Once you get a diagnosis, you can take a sigh of relief since you are no longer uncertain about what is happening to you.