As a woman gets older and her estrogen levels drop, her chances of having a prolapsed uterus rise. Estrogen is a hormone that helps to maintain the strength of the pelvic muscles. Prolapse may also be caused by damage to the pelvic muscles and tissues during pregnancy and delivery. Women who have had several vaginal births or who are postmenopausal are the most vulnerable.
A uterine prolapse may occur as a result of any action that exerts strain on the pelvic muscles. Other variables that may raise your chance of developing the disease include:
- Obesity
- A persistent cough
- Constipation that lasts a long time
What is the procedure for diagnosing this ailment?
A pelvic exam and an evaluation of your symptoms may help your doctor identify uterine prolapse. During this exam, your doctor will put a speculum into your vaginal canal, allowing them to inspect the vaginal canal and uterus. During this exam, you may lie down or your doctor may urge you to stand.
To assess the degree of prolapse, your doctor may ask you to bear down as if you were having a bowel movement.
What is the treatment for it?
This disorder may not usually need treatment. If your prolapse is severe, see your doctor to determine which treatment option is best for you.
The following are examples of nonsurgical treatments:
- Lose weight to relieve pressure on pelvic tissues
- refraining from heavy lifting
- performing Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises that help strengthen the vaginal muscles)
- using a pessary, which is a vaginal device that inserts beneath the cervix and helps push the uterus and cervix up and stable
Vaginal estrogen has been researched extensively and has been shown to enhance vaginal tissue regeneration and strength. While utilizing vaginal estrogen to supplement other treatment methods may be beneficial, it does not cure a prolapse on its own.
Uterine suspension or hysterectomy are surgical options. During uterine suspension, your surgeon reattaches pelvic ligaments or uses surgical materials to return the uterus to its original position. Your surgeon removes the uterus from the body via the abdominal or the vaginal canal during a hysterectomy.
