What is uterine prolapse?
It is a condition that affects women who age. Uterine prolapse weakens and stretches the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. Women of any age can experience it.
Treatment isn’t needed for people who experience mild uterine prolapse. But, treatment is suggested if the condition makes one’s life uncomfortable.
Aster Hospitals is one of the best hospitals in the UAE. It has a good team of consultant obstetrician and gynecologist.
The severity of uterine prolapse depends on how weak the supports of the uterus have gotten.
Causes of weak pelvic muscles:
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Obesity
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Chronic coughing or straining
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Chronic constipation
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Pregnancy
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Difficult labor and delivery or trauma during childbirth
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Delivery of a large baby
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Lower estrogen level after menopause
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Chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements
Symptoms of uterine prolapse are:
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Constipation
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Lower abdominal pain
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Painful sex
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Frequent bladder infections
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Constipation
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Frequent urination
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Pressure in the pelvis
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Excessive urinary discharge
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Discomfort walking
When to seek medical care?
You should visit the doctor if you experience any of the conditions:
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Problem while urination and obstruction bowel movement
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Complete uterus prolapses
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Persistent discomfort from urinary dribbling
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Pressure in the vaginal canal
Treatment of uterine prolapse
Home care
Kegel exercises will help strengthen the pelvic muscles at home. This exercise is done by tightening the pelvic muscles.
It will provide strength and support to the pelvic diaphragm. Always consult a good healthcare provider to learn the right ways of doing the exercise.
Medications
There are a few medications that help to restore the strength and vitality of tissues in the vagina. Some of them are estrogen cream, etc. You can also insert suppository ovules or rings into the vagina.
Please note that estrogen is only used in select postmenopausal women.
Surgery
Surgery depends on many factors such as age and the person’s wish to become pregnant. This method will repair or remove the uterus.
In severe cases, hysterectomy is used to remove the uterus. The surgery is also used to rectify the sagging of
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Rectum
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Bladder
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Urethra
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Vaginal walls
Specialized instruments are used in the surgery, and are done through an open abdominal procedure or small incisions.
Other therapy
There are alternatives to surgery for people who are not eligible for surgery. A pessary is a supportive device that is won in the vaginal canal to prevent a falling uterus. This method can be used permanently or temporarily.
The device is available in various shapes and sizes. But, this device will not work for people with severe prolapse. Sometimes, pessaries can cause vaginal irritation and smell bad.
Prevention
Some cases of uterine prolapse are unpreventable. But, there are methods to cut the risk of experiencing it. Here are the tips:
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Always maintain a healthy weight and check your BMI every month, if possible. As mentioned earlier, Kegel exercise will strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
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Eat a balanced diet and avoid consumption of junk food
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Smoking puts an extra risk of developing chronic cough. Therefore, quit smoking as it can pressurize the pelvic muscles