Uterine prolapse symptoms occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor stretch and weaken, no longer providing enough support for the uterus. As a result, the uterus enters or protrudes from the vaginal opening. In the worst-case scenario, the uterus’s collapse might obstruct the intestines and bladder, resulting in bladder retention and pain. The uterus may even extend enough to be felt outside of the vaginal canal in some circumstances.
Uterine prolapse can develop at any age in women most likely in women of age between 45- 70. Postmenopausal women who have had one or more vaginal births are more likely to be affected. Mild uterine prolapse does not typically necessitate therapy. However, if uterine prolapse causes discomfort or interferes with your daily activities, you may benefit from therapy.
Causes of Uterine Prolapse Symptoms
Several variables, ranging from genetic variations to life choices, influence whether or not a woman gets uterine prolapse. Women who have given birth vaginally are more prone to acquire this disease, especially if the birth was difficult, the child was bigger than normal, or several deliveries occurred. Persistent cough, obesity, chronic constipation, and estrogen loss due to natural aging are all major causes of uterine prolapse. Those who have a family history of uterine prolapse may be more likely to acquire it.
Read about: Vaginal Birth Vs C-Section
Uterine Prolapse Symptoms
uterine prolapse symptoms in women in the early stages are generally undetectable. Symptoms become more noticeable when the uterus grows more displaced. The following are symptoms of moderate to severe uterine prolapse:
- Bladder infections regularly
- In the pelvic region, there is a heaviness or a tugging sensation.
- Back discomfort in the lower back
- Sex that hurts
- Constipation Pelvic discomfort
- Sitting on a ball has a unique experience.
- Vaginal discharge that is unusual or profuse
- Leakage of urine
Uterine Prolapse SymptomsUterine prolapse stages
- First stage– The cervix descends into the vaginal opening
- Second stage– The cervix descends to a point just inside the vaginal opening.
- Third stage– The cervix is outside the vaginal opening.
- The fourth stage– The whole uterus lies outside the vaginal canal in the last stage. Procidentia is another name for this ailment.
Complications
Prolapse of various pelvic organs is frequently linked with uterine prolapse. One can have the following experiences:
Prolapse of the anterior intestine (cystocele)
The bladder may protrude into the vagina due to a lack of connective tissue between the bladder and the vagina. Prolapsed bladder is another term for anterior prolapse.
Vaginal prolapse in the back (rectocele)
The rectum may protrude into the vagina due to a lack of connective tissue between the rectum and the vagina. One may experience trouble in passing gas. Severe uterine prolapse can cause the vaginal lining to shift and extend outside the body. Vaginal sores can be caused by vaginal tissue rubbing against clothes (ulcers.) The lesions might get infected in rare cases.
What happens if Uterine Prolapse is left untreated?
Uterine Prolapse SymptomsAlthough this condition can swiftly develop, most uterine position changes are exceedingly slow. Uterine prolapse, on the other hand, will worsen if left untreated. Although this is a regular occurrence, it should not be overlooked. Ignoring uterine prolapse can result in significant symptoms including urine retention, bladder or urinary tract infection, and even kidney damage. Women who are diagnosed while still in the early postpartum phase are the sole exception. Even if they do not receive therapy, they may notice improvements within the first year.
Uterine Prolapse Treatment
While this is an unpleasant illness, it is also one that may be treated. Uterine prolapse can be treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor may recommend one of four therapies, as well as lifestyle modifications including quitting smoking, improving diet and exercise, or estrogen replacement medication, depending on the degree and location of the prolapse.
1. Exercising your Kegels
Kegel exercises do not require any particular equipment and may be performed at any time and in any location. They are quite beneficial in strengthening the pelvic floor to better support the uterus when done correctly.
Uterine Prolapse SymptomsIf you’re not sure how to do Kegel exercises properly, consult your doctor, who will be able to guide you. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, kegel exercises may be ineffective by the time you know you have a problem.
2. Pessary vaginal
A vaginal pessary is a rubber or plastic ring that keeps the uterus in place by supporting it. It fits tightly around or beneath the cervix to promote pelvic floor strength and stability. When a patient is attempting to postpone surgery for personal reasons or when surgery is medically hazardous, pessaries are frequently used.
3. Uterine prolapse surgery
By restoring the uterus to its normal position, surgery to restore the underlying anatomy of the pelvic floor is typically helpful in relieving symptoms. This surgery can be done through the vaginal or abdominal canals, depending on your surgeon’s preference.
4. Hysterectomy and uterine prolapse surgery to repair
The best therapy in certain situations is to remove the uterus entirely, an operation known as a hysterectomy. Depending on which is less intrusive in your circumstances, your surgeon may opt to do the operation through the vaginal canal or an abdominal incision.
Although these procedures have a high initial success rate, uterine prolapse frequently recurs over time. Even after a hysterectomy, your medical team will need to check your pelvic region. While uterine prolapse is no longer a possibility, vaginal vault prolapse can occur when the top section of the vaginal canal sags into the lower portion.
5. Prolapse without any surgery
Prolapse correction without surgery entails repositioning the uterus to its original position. The pelvic ligaments are reattached to the bottom portion of the uterus to keep it in place during the uterine suspension. Depending on the method utilized, the operation might be performed through the vaginal or abdominal canals.
Conclusion
Uterine prolapse sufferers should also avoid certain activities that may aggravate their disease. If at all feasible, patients with uterine prolapse should avoid heavy to moderate lifting. If lifting is unavoidable, it is critical to employ correct lifting techniques to prevent additional uterine displacement.
It’s also critical to treat any persistent coughing or constipation as quickly as possible, as these problems can cause or exacerbate uterine prolapse in many people.
