What is Uterine Prolapse?

Uterine prolapse happens when the uterus moves down from its normal position because the muscles and ligaments holding it get weaker. This can make you feel uncomfortable, like there's pressure in your pelvic area, and sometimes you might even feel like something is coming out of your vagina. Things like having many pregnancies, hormonal changes when you're older, and getting older in general can cause it.

It's a common issue, and it can make things like lifting heavy stuff or laughing a bit bothersome. The good news is, there are ways to deal with it. You can try simple exercises and changing some habits, or if it's more serious, there are surgeries to help. If you notice things like your vagina feeling different or having trouble with peeing, talking to a doctor is important. They can help you figure out what to do and make things better.

Types of Uterine prolapse:

There are several types of uterine prolapse, which are classified based on the severity of the descent of the uterus:

First-Degree Prolapse: The uterus descends into the upper part of the vagina.
Second-Degree Prolapse: The uterus descends to the vaginal opening.
Third-Degree Prolapse: The uterus protrudes outside the vaginal opening.

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse :

The severity of uterine prolapse can vary, ranging from mild cases that often follow childbirth to more moderate to severe cases that bring about noticeable symptoms. On the other hand, moderate to severe uterine prolapse can lead to various uncomfortable sensations and difficulties. Some common symptoms in these cases include:

Seeing or feeling tissue bulge out of the vagina
Experiencing a sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvic area
Feeling like your bladder doesn't empty fully during bathroom visits
Dealing with urine leakage, also referred to as incontinence
Experiencing challenges with bowel movements and needing to provide vaginal support to aid in bowel movements
Sensation of sitting on a small ball
Feeling vaginal tissue rubbing against clothing
Experiencing pressure or discomfort in the pelvis or lower back
Facing sexual concerns, such as the sensation of vaginal tissue looseness

Causes of Uterine prolapse:

Uterine prolapse is when the muscles and tissues in your pelvic area get weak, causing your uterus to move from where it should be. This can happen for different reasons, mainly because the parts that normally hold the uterus become less strong.

A few things can make these muscles and tissues weak:

Having a Baby through Vagina: When a baby is born through the vagina, it can stress the pelvic area and weaken the supporting structures.
Getting Older and Having a Baby Later: If you're older when you have your first baby, you're more likely to have issues with the muscles in your pelvic area.
Difficult Birth or Injury: If childbirth is hard or causes injury, it can lead to weaker pelvic muscles.
Big Baby: If your baby is larger than usual, it can strain the pelvic area and make the tissues weak.
Carrying Too Much Weight: Being overweight can press on your pelvis and make the muscles and tissues weaker.
After Menopause: When you go through menopause, your estrogen levels drop, and this can make the muscles in your pelvis less elastic.
Problems with Digestion: Having trouble going to the bathroom often or straining can push on your pelvic area and make the muscles weaker.
Breathing Issues: If you have a cough that won't go away or other breathing problems, it can stress the pelvic muscles.
Lifting Heavy Things: Doing activities that involve lifting heavy stuff can put a lot of pressure on your pelvis and make it weaker.

Risk Factors :

Certain things can make the chance of having uterine prolapse higher. These are called risk factors. Some of these include:

Having a baby through the vagina, especially if it happens more than one time.
Being older when you have your first baby.
Having a really big baby.
Getting older.
Being heavier than you should be.
Having surgery in your pelvic area before.
Having trouble going to the bathroom a lot or pushing too hard when you do.
Having family members who also had weak tissue.
Being Hispanic or white.
Coughing a lot, like if you smoke.

Complications :

Troubles that can come from uterine prolapse are often linked to other organs in the pelvic area. These can also have issues:

Front Part Prolapse: This happens when the part connecting the bladder and the top of the vagina gets weak. It can push the bladder into the vagina. People call this a cystocele or a bladder that's come down.
Back Part Prolapse: When the tissue between the rectum and the bottom of the vagina isn't strong, the rectum can push into the vagina. This might make it hard to go to the bathroom. Another name for this is a rectocele.

Diagnosis for Uterine Prolapse:

Your doctor can figure out if you have uterine prolapse by listening to what you're feeling and checking your body. They'll use a special tool called a speculum to look inside your vagina and see how things are. You might either lie down or stand up for this.

To understand how much things have moved, your doctor might ask you to push down like when you're trying to go to the bathroom. This helps them know how serious the problem is.

Do’s and Don’ts for Uterine Prolapse:

Uterine prolapse Do's	Uterine prolapse Don'ts
Practice Kegel exercises regularly.	Don't ignore symptoms; seek medical advice promptly.
Maintain a healthy weight.	Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.
Eat a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.	Don't engage in activities that strain the pelvic muscles.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience symptoms such as pelvic pressure, discomfort, or a sensation of something coming out of the vagina, it's essential to consult a doctor. Timely intervention can prevent the condition from worsening.

Uterine Prolapse Care at Medicover Hospital

Medicover Hospital offers comprehensive care for uterine prolapse, including:

Experienced gynecologists specializing in pelvic floor disorders.
State-of-the-art diagnostic facilities to accurately assess the condition.
Special treatment plans made just for you, according to what you need.
Advanced surgical techniques for effective and minimally invasive treatment options.
Collaborative approach between gynecologists, physiotherapists, and other specialists to ensure holistic care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does uterine prolapse happen?

Uterine prolapse usually occurs when the support muscles in the pelvic area weaken. This can be due to giving birth, getting older, or strains on the pelvis.

What are the signs of a prolapsed uterus?

Signs can include a feeling of pressure down there, discomfort in the lower back or pelvis, trouble with going to the bathroom, or even difficulties during sex.

Is a prolapsed uterus a big problem?

While not life-threatening, it can affect your daily life. If you notice symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for help.

How can I check for uterine prolapse myself?

You can't be completely sure on your own, but if you feel something unusual like pressure or discomfort in the vaginal area, it's best to see a doctor for a proper checkup.

What's the early stage of uterine prolapse like?

At first, you might not feel much, but some might notice pressure in the pelvis or a small bulge in the vaginal area.

Can a prolapsed uterus get better on its own?

Sometimes, mild cases might improve with exercises, but for serious cases, you might need help from a doctor.

How can I help uterine prolapse at home?

Doing exercises that strengthen your pelvic muscles, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding heavy lifting can help if it's not severe. But always talk to a doctor for advice.

When does uterine prolapse usually happen?

It's more common after giving birth and might be more noticeable as you get older, but there's no specific age. It can happen at different times in life.