Uterine Prolapse - Causes, Symptoms And Management!

The uterus is a muscular organ which houses the fertilized egg and gives it space to grow through pregnancy. It is held in place by various ligaments and tissues, as it is suspended in the pelvic area. Uterine prolapse is when the uterus slips down and is not able to stay in place. It can slip into the vaginal cavity, and may sometimes be protruding through the vagina. 

Causes: 

1. The female hormone estrogen plays a vital role in keeping this in place. With age, as the hormone levels reduce, the uterus tends to prolapse.  Also, if the ligaments and muscles holding it in place weaken, then the uterus can slide down. 

2. Multiple vaginal deliveries can cause prolapse.

3. Excessive fluid in the abdomen, constant cough, and constipation can put pressure on the uterus.

4. Being obese and smoking are also believed to be risk factors for uterine prolapse.

Degrees: 

1. First degree is when the cervix is in the vagina 

2. The second degree is when the cervix reaches almost the level of vaginal opening to the outside 

3. The third degree is when cervix can be seen protruding out of the vagina 

4. In the fourth degree, the entire uterus is outside the vagina 

Symptoms: 

1. A feeling of something sticking out of the vagina 

2. Difficult and painful sex 

3. Difficulty in urination or incomplete evacuation 

4. Fullness in the pelvis 

5. Low back pain 

Though the symptoms are often ignored, avoiding medical care can worsen the situation. The above symptoms should trigger a medical check-up. 

1. The doctor will check you and make you strain (by asking you to cough) to understand the problem.

2.  Sonography may be done to diagnose the condition, including the extent of it. 

Management: 

1. Minor degree of prolapse can be managed by Kegel exercises, which strengthen the uterine and pelvic muscles. These are easy to do and can be done anywhere. It involves tightening the pelvic muscles, similar to what happens when trying to stop urine flow. In fact, doing these regularly can help prevent the onset of prolapse. As women age, they should do these, so prolapse and incontinence can be managed. 

2. The most effective way to treat the prolapse is surgery. The surgery may or may not involve removal of the uterus. During surgery the pelvic fascia is repaired thoroughly and the organs are fixed to their anatomical positions. Most often the surgery is done by vaginal route and there is not even a small scar on the abdomen.

In case you have a concern or query regarding gynaecological issues, you can consult a gynaecologist online & get the answers to your questions through online doctor consultation via video call.