From Causes To Risks: Decoding Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a relatively widespread but comparatively silent condition that occurs in a large number of women, primarily those who are older than 40 years of age or women who have delivered more than once. It is a phenomenon whereby the pelvic floor muscles become weak, and the uterus drops out of its natural state down into the vagina. It may be mild or severe, but it is essential to be aware of the causes, risk factors, and consequences of uterine prolapse to diagnose the condition and treat it timely.

In Sehgal Nursing Home, we have been treating and diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse with a great deal of care, skill, and patient-centered care. Here in this blog, we will take a closer view of the causes of uterine prolapse, the risks that it poses, and the ways in which it can be prevented or managed.

Suggest to Read:- Advancements In Infertility Treatments: Hope For Aspiring Parents

What Is Uterine Prolapse?

Another form of pelvic organ prolapse is uterine prolapse, where the uterus falls downwards, out of position, and rests on the vaginal walls. It can be divided into various degrees:

• First-degree: The uterus drops a little to the upper vagina.
• Second-degree: The cervix extends to the vagina opening.
• Third degree: The cervix sticks out of the vagina.
• Fourth-degree (procidentia): The whole uterus comes out through the vaginal opening.

The degree of discomfort, as well as the available treatment alternatives, is dictated by the degree of the prolapse.

What Causes Uterine Prolapse?

Childbirth

The most common cause of uterine prolapse is vaginal deliveries, particularly those which are prolonged or traumatic. Those women who have had more than one birth are at increased risk.

 Aging and Menopause

Since estrogen decreases after menopause, the pelvic tissues become less elastic and strong, which predisposes people to prolapse.

Chronic Pressure on the Abdomen

Such conditions as obesity, frequent cough, or chronic constipation exert long-term pressure on the pelvic area, which weakens the muscles.

Heavy Lifting

Pelvic muscles can be strained over a period of time by frequent lifting of heavy objects either at work or at home.

Genetic Predisposition

There are even women with naturally weaker connective tissue and thus more likely to develop prolapse despite a lower number of risk factors.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of uterine prolapse are not always evident during the initial stages. During its course, you can develop:

• Weightiness in the pelvis or heaviness
• a protrusion or bulge which may be seen or felt at the vaginal opening
• Backache or pain in the Lower back 
• Painful intercourse
• Incontinence or retention of urine
• Bowel movement trouble

What Are the Risks of Untreated Uterine Prolapse?

The absence of attention to the uterus prolapse may precondition the development of various problems, primarily in cases when the disease is moderate or severe:

• Prolapse: The condition can get worse, thus making it more challenging to treat.
• Urinary Problems: This consists of infections, discharge, or the inability to empty the bladder completely.
• Bowel Dysfunction: Constipation or feeling of incomplete evacuation.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Pain or discomfort having intercourse.
• Infection or ulceration: There are chances of infections or ulceration where the uterus protrudes outside the body.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.

Treatment Options

Indeed, at Sehgal Nursing Home, we provide a variety of treatment options depending on the degree of the prolapse and the reproductive plans of the patient.

Suggest to Read :- Endometrial Thickness: Normal Size, Measurement, & Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises ( Kegels ): These exercises improve the strength of muscles that hold up the uterus.
• Pessary Devices: Pessary is a removable device put into the vagina to support the uterus.
• Hormonal Therapy: Estrogen creams may assist in restoring the tone of tissues in postmenopausal women.

Surgical Treatments:

• Uterine Suspension: Repositions and fixes the uterus with ligaments or mesh.
• Hysterectomy: In extreme cases, particularly where the patient does not need a child in the future, a hysterectomy is indicated.
• Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery: It is to strengthen and rebuild damaged pelvic structures.

Each treatment plan is personalized to ensure safety, comfort, and the best possible outcome.

Final Thoughts

It is not uncommon as you may think, and uterine prolapse is treatable. Prompt treatment has the potential to control symptoms, stop the progression of the disease, and regain the quality of life. Are you in the early stages, or do you have an advanced state of the disease? Do not overlook the warning signs.

At Sehgal Nursing Home, we ensure that we can take care of uterine prolapse, be it with diagnosis or advanced treatment; all it takes is one roof. Our well-trained gynecologists will take you through the recovery process.