Uterine Prolapse: Stages, Symptoms, Treatment Options

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Thajammul Samrin , Gynecologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

A prolapsed uterus happens when the uterus slips down from its normal position into the vagina because the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments become weak. This can cause discomfort, pain and problems in daily activities. In mild cases, treatment may not be needed right away, but severe prolapse can affect quality of life and may require medical care. Knowing the types, stages, causes, symptoms and treatment options is important for proper management.

Sometimes, a prolapsed uterus can also occur during pregnancy. This is called a prolapsed uterus in pregnancy and needs special care and close monitoring. Detecting it early can help avoid complications.

Types of Prolapsed Uterus

A prolapsed uterus can be classified based on severity and which parts of the uterus or surrounding tissues are affected. Understanding prolapsed uterus types helps in selecting the right treatment method.

Incomplete or Mild Prolapse

The uterus drops slightly into the vagina, often causing minimal symptoms. Many women may not even notice it at first.

Complete or Severe Prolapse

The uterus comes down more and may be seen outside the vaginal opening. It can cause bulging, discomfort and trouble walking or sitting.

Cystocele (Anterior Prolapse)

The bladder moves down and presses on the front wall of the vagina. It can cause urine leakage, pressure or discomfort, often seen along with uterine prolapse.

Rectocele (Posterior Prolapse)

The rectum pushes into the back wall of the vagina. It may cause heaviness, pelvic pressure or difficulty passing stool.

What Are the Stages of a Prolapsed Uterus?

Medical professionals categorise a prolapsed uterus into four stages, which help determine the appropriate treatment.

Stage 1 (Mild): The uterus drops slightly but remains within the vagina. Symptoms may be mild or absent.
Stage 2 (Moderate): The uterus descends closer to the vaginal opening. Women may start feeling pelvic discomfort.
Stage 3 (Advanced): The uterus protrudes outside the vaginal opening, often causing visible bulging, urinary leakage and pain.
Stage 4 (Complete): The uterus is fully outside the vagina, causing severe pain and problems with urination or bowel movements.

What Are the Symptoms of a Prolapsed Uterus?

While some women may not feel pain, common prolapsed uterus pain symptoms include:

A heavy or dragging sensation in the pelvis.
Lower back pain.
Pain or discomfort while standing, walking or lifting.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Urinary problems like leakage or difficulty urinating.
Constipation or straining during bowel movements.

These symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing and improve when lying down.

What Causes a Prolapsed Uterus?

The primary cause of prolapsed uterus is weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the uterus. Common prolapsed uterus reasons include:

Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, especially multiple births or deliveries of large babies, can stretch and weaken pelvic muscles.
Aging: Post-menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to weakened pelvic tissues.
Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on pelvic organs.
Chronic Coughing: Conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma can strain the pelvic muscles.
Heavy Lifting: Repeated lifting of heavy objects increases pressure on the pelvic floor.
Genetics: Some women naturally have weaker connective tissues, making them more prone to prolapse.
Prolonged Straining: Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements may contribute.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Prolapsed Uterus?

Seek medical advice if symptoms of prolapsed uterus appear. Early care helps prevent complications and provides timely, effective treatment.

A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis.
A bulge from the vagina.
Difficulty urinating or frequent urinary infections.
Pain during sexual activity.
Lower back pain or pelvic pressure.
Problems with bowel movements.

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How is a Prolapsed Uterus Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is important to understand the severity of uterine prolapse and decide the right treatment. Doctors usually combine medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and rule out other causes of symptoms.

Medical History: The doctor will ask about childbirth history, symptoms, urinary or bowel problems and family history.
Pelvic Exam: A physical exam determines the degree of prolapse, affected organs and tissue condition.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended for severe cases to assess the uterus and surrounding structures.
ICD 10 Code: Prolapsed uterus is classified under ICD 10 as N81.0 for accurate coding and medical records.

What is the Best Treatment for a Prolapsed Uterus?

Treatment depends on the severity of prolapse, age, overall health, and desire for future pregnancies.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical methods are often the first choice for managing a prolapsed uterus, focusing on symptom relief and support.

Prolapsed uterus exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen pelvic muscles.
Vaginal pessary devices to support the uterus and relieve discomfort.
Lifestyle changes like maintaining healthy weight, preventing constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be required in severe prolapse cases or when non-surgical options are not effective.

Uterine suspension to reattach the uterus for support.
Hysterectomy in advanced cases.
Vaginal wall repair for cystocele or rectocele.
Prolapsed uterus operation to restore normal pelvic anatomy.

Medication

Medications do not reverse prolapse but can help in certain cases, especially postmenopause.

Estrogen therapy strengthens vaginal tissues in postmenopausal women.
Helps reduce discomfort and may slow down the progression of prolapse.

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What Are the Natural Remedies for a Prolapsed Uterus?

Simple prolapsed uterus treatment at home methods may provide relief and support pelvic health, though they do not replace medical treatment.

Eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
Using heat therapy or warm baths to ease pelvic discomfort.
Practicing gentle exercises like yoga or walking to improve circulation and strengthen muscles.

What Are the Complications of a Prolapsed Uterus?

If left untreated, a prolapsed uterus can lead to several complications that may affect daily life and overall health.

Urinary Problems: Difficulty urinating, urinary retention, or urinary incontinence.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Incomplete bladder emptying can increase the risk of infections.
Bowel Problems: Constipation and difficulty passing stool due to associated rectocele.
Vaginal Ulcers: Prolonged exposure of prolapsed tissue can cause irritation and ulcer formation.
Sexual Difficulties: Pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Reduced Quality of Life: Persistent pelvic pressure, discomfort, and limitations in daily activities.

How Can a Prolapsed Uterus be Prevented?

Early prevention and care of the pelvic floor can lower the risk of prolapse and protect long-term reproductive health.

Do regular pelvic exercises.
Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Avoid chronic straining during bowel movements.
Manage chronic coughs or respiratory conditions.
Take care during pregnancy and childbirth to limit pelvic stress.

Conclusion

A prolapsed uterus can affect comfort, daily life and overall health. Early recognition of symptoms, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment, including exercises, lifestyle adjustments or surgical intervention, are key to managing the condition effectively. Both non-surgical and surgical options can restore comfort and prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a prolapsed uterus affect fertility?

Mild uterine prolapse may not affect fertility, but severe prolapse can make conception more difficult and may increase pregnancy-related complications.

2. Can young women develop a prolapsed uterus?

Yes. Although uterine prolapse is more common in older women, younger women can develop it due to childbirth injuries, genetic factors, heavy lifting, or weakened pelvic floor muscles.

3. Who gets uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse most commonly affects women who have given birth, are postmenopausal, are overweight, have chronic constipation, or have weakened pelvic floor muscles.

4. How common is uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse is a common condition, particularly among women who have experienced multiple vaginal deliveries or have gone through menopause.

5. Can I push my prolapsed uterus back up?

You should not attempt to reposition a prolapsed uterus on your own. A healthcare provider can recommend safe treatments such as pelvic floor exercises, a pessary, or surgery.

6. Can you have a prolapse without a uterus?

Yes. After a hysterectomy, the upper part of the vagina can descend, resulting in a condition called vaginal vault prolapse.

7. How serious is a prolapsed uterus?

The severity varies. Mild cases may cause few symptoms, while severe prolapse can lead to pelvic pressure, urinary problems, bowel difficulties, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.

8. Can uterine prolapse happen again?

Yes. Uterine prolapse can recur after treatment, especially if risk factors such as heavy lifting, chronic coughing, obesity, or weakened pelvic muscles persist.

9. How can I reduce my risk of uterine prolapse?

You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, performing pelvic floor exercises, avoiding heavy lifting, treating chronic constipation, and managing conditions that cause chronic coughing.