Uterine prolapse is more foreseeable in senior women and those who have reached their menopause stage. Connective tissues and ligaments keep the uterus in position. When these tissues stretch beyond their limit, and gradually weaken, the uterus can slip down or sag down into the vagina. This critical condition is known as uterine prolapse.

The pelvic floor muscles keep the organs in place and help in different body functions. When these muscles are weakened to a certain level, then a prolapse occurs. This results in the pelvic organ sagging or dropping into the vagina.

Uterine prolapse that is mild, is not much to bother. All the same, therapy still helps, if this condition intervenes with day-to-day activity or causes discomfort.

Different Stages of Uterine Prolapse

Stage I: The uterus descends into the vaginal opening.
Stage II: The lower portion of the vagina receives the uterus.
Stage III: The womb is sticking out of the vagina.
Stage IV: The entire uterus exits the vagina.

Who is Likely to Get Uterine Prolapse?

One who has had one or more vaginal deliveries.
Has crossed the age of menopause.
Has a family history of this ill-health.
Have had pelvic surgeries in the past.

Causes

Some of the factors that can cause the pelvic muscles to weaken:

Menopause-related loss of muscular tone
Pregnancy
Vaginal delivery, particularly if you’ve had a lot of infants or ones that weigh more than nine pounds.
Being overweight
Relentless straining or coughing
Continual constipation
Heavy lifting that is repeated

Symptoms

After giving delivery, mild uterine prolapse is normal.

The following are signs of moderate to severe uterine prolapse:

Observing or sensing tissue projecting from the vagina.
Experiencing a pulling or weight in the pelvis.
A feeling that your bladder is not completely empty.
Incontinence or issues with pee leakage, need to urinate frequently.
Bowel movement may be a problem, and this may necessitate the use of fingers to press the vagina.
Problem in putting tampons or other devices into the vagina.
Feeling of the vaginal tissue grinding against your clothes.
Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvic area.
Pain during sex.
The perception of loose vaginal tissue.

Diagnosis

Healthcare experts may recommend any of the below tests:

Examination of your pelvis.

It may be a pelvic exam with you at rest and while straining.

An ultrasound scan
A urine test
Urodynamic study (UDS) test
A cystoscopy
MRI or CT scan
Pelvic floor strength tests to assess the strength of the muscles and ligaments that support your:
uterus,
bladder,
rectum,
urethra, and
vaginal walls.

Risk factors

All operations carry risks. The risks of surgery for uterine prolapse are:

Bleeding that is heavy
Blood clots in your legs or lungs
Infection
An adverse reaction to anesthesia
Injury to other organs, such as the bladder, ureters, or bowel
Chance of prolapse recurring
Urinary incontinence

Treatment Options for Uterine Prolapse

1) Non surgery

A pessary:

This is a silicon device that goes inside the vagina. It helps to control bulging tissues. It must be removed and cleaned thoroughly for regular use.

Self-care measures:

Certain precautions when taken prevent this ill-health from spreading further. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles. Also weight is controlled and one gets relief from constipation.

2) Surgery

The doctor can suggest any one of the laparoscopic or vaginal surgery as the case may be.

For uterine prolapse you may need:

Uterus removal:

It is known as a hysterectomy. A cut is made in the vaginal opening (vaginal hysterectomy) or in the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy). This is a major surgery.
Keeping the uterus intact:
It is a uterus-sparing procedure. Those females wishing to give birth again can opt for this surgery. The womb is put back into its normal position. Uterine suspension is normally preferred; that holds the pelvic ligaments to the lower part of the womb.

Once the hysterectomy is performed, the surgeon and his team then:

Keep the pelvic floor muscles intact by stitches:
This will ensure the position of the vagina is not altered and does not cause any problem in the sexual activity.

Close the vaginal opening:

This process is known as colpocleisis and lets the patient recover fast. This is only an option for the females who no longer need a vaginal canal for sex.

Place vaginal surgical mesh:

The doctor and his team suitably put a mesh to support the tissues of the vagina.
Prevention

There are techniques to lower your chances of suffering a prolapse. Given below are some lifestyle tips that can minimize your chances of prolapse:

Regular exercising and an optimum weight keep you fit.
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Smoking prevention lowers the chances of developing a chronic cough. This can put further strain on your pelvic muscles.
Use proper lifting procedures while transporting large goods.
Avoid constipation and straining to poop.