Dr Dimple Doshi

Dr Dimple Doshi

Uterine Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Surgery, Diagnosis

Uterine prolapse is often reported as “ something coming out through the vagina “. Prolapse occurs when the pelvic muscles of a woman weaken and are no longer having the strength to support the uterus; bladder or rectum. As a result, these structures can slip down and protrude out of the vagina, and this is PROLAPSE.

Uterine prolapse can occur in women of any age.  But most commonly it affects postmenopausal women who have had vaginal deliveries.

Mild uterine prolapse does not require any treatment, but if the uterine prolapse makes you uncomfortable or disrupts your normal life; you should seek treatment for that.

Uterine-Prolapse

 

Dr. Dimple Doshi at Vardaan Hospital; believes prevention is better than cure, and thus apart from the precise treatment guidelines; preventive measures are an essential part of our consultations with the patients who have either had it or want to know more about it.

  1. Something coming out of vagina
  2. Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
  3. Urinary problems like leakage or retention
  4. Backache
  5. Trouble having bowel movement
  6. Sexual dissatisfaction due to looseness of vaginal tissues.
  1. One or more vaginal deliveries especially the difficult ones with heavy weight babies
  2. Instrumental vaginal deliveries
  3. Being overweight
  4. Menopause; due to low estrogen levels
  5. Heavy work like heavy weight lifting on a regular basis
  6. Chronic constipation
  7. Long standing cough and bronchitis
  8. Family history of connective tissue disorders.
  9. Certain races

Uterine prolapse is often associated with prolapse of other pelvic organs. Like:

  1. Cystocele: In this condition; the bladder bulges in the vagina.
  2. Rectocele: In this condition; the rectum bulges inside the vagina.
  3. In severe cases of uterine prolapse; vaginal lining can also protrude outside and that may lad to sores or ulcer formation. These ulcers can become infected.
  4. In severe cases of uterine prolapse which may also be associated with prolapse of vagina; bladder and rectum; medically known as procidentia ; it can lead to kinking of the urinary tubes or ureters ; and can affect the kidneys in long term ; if not corrected surgically
  1. Kegels exercises: these exercises can strength your pelvic floor and muscles
  2. Treat and prevent constipation by eating high fibre diet
  3. Avoid lifting heavy weights

What is the treatment of uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse can be treated by surgical and nonsurgical methods.

Your gynaecologist will suggest you the right   treatment depending on the symptoms and severity of your prolapse, your general health, age and future family planning.

  1. Exercise: 
  2. This may be the only treatment needed in mild cases of uterine prolapse.Kegel exercises– strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.Tighten and Hold the pelvic muscles for a few seconds and then release.Repeat 10 times.You may do these exercises anywhere and at any time (up to four times a day).
  3. Vaginal pessary: 
A pessary is a rubber or plastic doughnut-shaped device that fits around or under the lower part of the uterus (cervix).This device helps prop up the uterus and hold it in place.must be cleaned frequently and removed before sex.
  • Hysterectomy and prolapse repair: Uterine prolapse may be treated by removing the uterus in a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. This may be done through a cut (incision) made in the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) .Hysterectomy is major surgery, and removing the uterus means pregnancy is no longer possible.
  • Prolapse repair without hysterectomy: This procedure involves putting the uterus back into its normal position. Uterine suspension may be done by reattaching the pelvic ligaments to the lower part of the uterus to hold it in place. The surgery can be done through the vagina or through laparoscopy depending on the technique that is used.