Uterine prolapse: what it is, symptoms and treatment
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which structures such as the uterus, rectum, bladder, urethra and intestines can begin to move out of their normal position. The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that closes the lower abdomen. , supporting the organs mentioned above. Its function is crucial, but when it weakens it can lack support and prolapse occurs. Here is a video to train the pelvic muscles.
Types of uterine prolapse
There are several types of female genital prolapse. Within the category of genital prolapse c is uterine prolapse, but as you will see there are other types that should be differentiated. Here they are:
- Cystocele: when the bladder or part of it goes down.
- Rectocele: when there is a descent of the rectum to the back of the vagina.
- Uterine prolapse: descent of the uterus.
- Prolapse of the vaginal vault: Vaginal descent can occur in women whose uterus has been removed.
- Enterocele: Occurs when the small intestine presses against the upper wall of the vagina and displaces it.
In addition, there are also different degrees of prolapse:
- Degree of prolapse 1: it is the mildest, when the organ undergoes a small variation inside the vagina but does not fall.
- Degree of prolapse 2: when the organ protrudes only slightly at the entrance to the vagina. In this case the problem is moderate.
- Prolapse grade 3: In this case it is more severe, because the organ protrudes from the vagina, it can be seen and felt.
- Prolapse Grade 4: The organ is completely out of place.
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What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?
Symptoms of uterine prolapse largely depend on the condition of the pelvic floor. It is very common for many women to not realize they suffer from this condition. However, consulting a specialist as soon as the first symptom occurs is very important to avoid further damage. In fact, in general, the more advanced the prolapse, the more severe the symptoms.
Here are some signs that may indicate that you may be suffering from this condition: feeling of abdominal heaviness, "something going down", dragging or falling; a lump protruding from the vagina; decreased sensation or pain during sex; recurrent urinary tract infections; constipation, vaginal bleeding, back pain or stress incontinence.
What Really Causes Uterine Prolapse?
One of the most common factors that can cause this condition is vaginal delivery. As it moves along the vagina, the baby can stretch and tear the tissues that support the organs and muscles of the pelvic floor. The risks of prolapse increase as the number of vaginal deliveries a woman has had in her life increases.
Menopause is also a risk factor. The lack of estrogen production by the ovaries can cause alterations in the pelvic floor and the weakening of the structures that support the organs.
Another factor that can cause uterine prolapse is hysterectomy, or the total or partial removal of the uterus. Without the uterus, the upper part of the vagina can gradually fall into the vaginal opening.
There are also other risk factors in the production of uterine prolapse such as diabetes, chronic constipation or being overweight. The latter is a risk factor because it is associated with distension of the abdominal wall muscles. In other words, the lack of tension in the abdominal muscles can promote genital prolapse.
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The effective cure for treating uterine prolapse
Most uterine prolapses gradually worsen over time and can only be completely corrected with surgery. However, the type of treatment largely depends on the factors that caused the prolapse, its severity, the woman's age and general health.
Prolapses can be treated with surgery, as the solution is effective and long-lasting. This is the most recommended option if the diagnosis is more severe, however, there are some treatments for those women who do not want to undergo surgery, either because they have experienced few symptoms or because they want to avoid suffering from prolapses in the future.
Here are some examples: Modifying daily physical activity, avoiding unnecessary effort or trying not to lift heavy objects, can help a woman prevent this condition. Following a Kegel exercise routine can also help prevent this condition, treat mild cases and moderate prolapse, or limit the most severe cases.
What do they consist of? It involves contracting the pelvic floor muscles upward and inward for a few seconds to strengthen and tone the muscles of the pelvis and vaginal wall. To do this, there are auxiliary methods that are of great help in getting the most benefits in the short term. With these little exercises you make sure you are doing the correct technique by having a stimulus that helps you feel how to perform the muscle contraction.
