How does prolapsed uterus happen

If the prolapse is severe, talk with your doctor about which treatment option is appropriate for you. The use of vaginal estrogen has been well-studied and shows improvement in vaginal tissue regeneration and strength. Surgical treatments include uterine suspension or hysterectomy. During uterine suspension, your surgeon places the uterus back into its original position by reattaching pelvic ligaments or using surgical materials.

During a hysterectomy, your surgeon removes the uterus from the body through the abdomen or the vagina. Pregnancy and childbirth can put an immense strain on pelvic muscles, which can undo surgical repairs of the uterus. Uterine prolapse may not be preventable in every situation. However, you can do several things to reduce your risk, including:. Anterior vaginal wall repair is used to correct vaginal prolapse, which occurs when your bladder or urethra slips into your vagina.

Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection of the reproductive organs in women. You can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are masses made of crystals. Learn more about causes and symptoms here. Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve of the spine, can cause pain in various parts of your body.

If future pregnancies are intended, surgery may not be recommended, due to the risks of undoing the effects of surgical repair. Mild uterine prolapse can be treated with Kegel exercises, weight management and avoidance of heavy lifting. How to do a proper Kegel is vital to the success of the treatment. These exercises can be done anywhere and at any time and can help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Your health care provider or physical therapist can instruct you on how to perform a proper Kegel while in the office, at which time proper technique can be evaluated. Sometimes, a technique called biofeedback may be applied. During biofeedback treatments, a device will monitor proper muscle contraction, the strength of the pelvic floor and timing of Kegels.

This reinforces proper technique of the exercises. Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions or for the evaluation and treatment of symptoms of uterine prolapse.

They can make recommendations on a treatment choice that is best for you. A look at bicornuate uterus, a condition where the uterus is shaped like a heart. Included is detail on how it is diagnosed, and when to see a doctor. In this article, learn about enlarged uterus, how this condition is caused, the complications and risks associated with it, and the treatment options.

Fibroids are tumors that grow in the uterus. They are usually benign. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of prolapse of the uterus Degrees of uterine prolapse Causes of uterine prolapse Treatments for uterine prolapse Pelvic floor exercises Prevention techniques Where to get help.

Symptoms of prolapse of the uterus The symptoms of uterine prolapse include: a sensation of heaviness and pressure in the vagina a distinct lump or bulge within the vagina a bulge protruding out of the vagina painful sexual intercourse.

Degrees of uterine prolapse Uterine prolapse is described in stages, indicating how far it has descended. The four categories of uterine prolapse are: Stage I — the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina Stage II — the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina Stage III — the uterus protrudes out of the vagina Stage IV — the uterus is completely out of the vagina. Causes of uterine prolapse The pelvic floor and associated supporting connective tissues can be weakened or damaged in many ways including: pregnancy, especially in the case of multiple births such as twins or triplets , or multiple pregnancies vaginal childbirth, especially if the baby was large or delivered quickly, or if there was a prolonged pushing phase obesity straining on the toilet to pass a bowel motion low levels of the sex hormone oestrogen after menopause severe coughing associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma fibroids in rare cases, pelvic tumour.

Treatments for uterine prolapse Treatments for uterine prolapse include surgical and non-surgical options, the choice of which will depend on general health, the severity of the condition and plans for a future pregnancy.

Treatment options include: pelvic floor exercises vaginal pessary vaginal surgery. Pelvic floor exercises Stage I and II uterine prolapse in particular can be helped by pelvic floor muscle exercises, but they need to be done correctly and practised long enough to strengthen the muscles. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, try the following: Insert one or two fingers into the vagina and try to squeeze them.

Imagine you are passing urine, and try to stop the flow midstream do not do this while urinating. Squeeze the muscles inside the anus as if you are trying to stop yourself from breaking wind.

Consult with your doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist to ensure correct performance. Then perform the exercises, which include: Squeeze slowly and lift and hold as strongly as you can for 5 to 10 seconds while breathing normally. Release slowly. Repeat up to 10 times. Relax for 5 to 10 seconds between each one. Perform quick, short, strong squeezes. Repeat 10 times. Remember to squeeze and lift the muscles whenever you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift anything.

Vaginal pessary A pessary is a flexible device which can be fitted into the vagina to support the uterus. Vaginal surgery In moderate to severe cases, the prolapse may have to be surgically repaired. Prevention techniques Some women are at increased risk of uterine prolapse.

Usually, eating lots of fruit, vegetables and fibre, and drinking plenty of water will help. Avoid straining when using your bowels. Manage chronic constipation in consultation with your doctor other conditions — treat underlying disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis in consultation with your doctor. More information here. Give feedback about this page.