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Uterine Prolapse - Uterine Prolapse symptom, treatment, causes

Uterine Prolapse is a condition which arises due to the downward displacement of the uterus from its normal position. Uterine prolapse most often results from tearing or excessive stretching of the muscles and other tissues of the pelvic floor during pregnancy or delivery. These muscles normally support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum) in their correct positions, and surround the outlets of the urethra, vagina and anus.

If the pelvic floor is damaged, the uterus and cervix may move further down into the vagina and protrude through the entrance of the vagina to the outside. As the uterus moves downwards it pulls the vaginal walls and often the bladder and rectum with it, leading to CYSTOCELE (bladder prolapse) and/or RECTOCELE (prolapse of the rectum). Either or both may also bulge outside the vagina.

Uterine prolapse is a condition in which a woman's uterus (womb) sags or slips out of its normal position. The uterus may be only slightly out of position, or it may descend so far that it can be seen outside the vagina. It is shaped like an upside down pear and is located inside the pelvis. The uterus, bladder and bowel are supported by a tight hammock of muscles slung between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone. These muscles are known as the pelvic floor, or the levator ani muscles. Ligaments and connective tissue also anchor the uterus in place. If these tissues are weakened or damaged, the uterus can slip down into the vagina. Common causes of uterine prolapse include childbirth, obesity, chronic constipation and age related changes after menopause. Other names for uterine prolapse include pudendal hernia and pelvic floor hernia. If you experience only mild uterine prolapse, treatment usually isn't needed. But if you experience discomfort or interruption of your lifestyle as a result of uterine prolapse, you might benefit from surgery to repair the prolapse, or you may elect to use a special supportive device (pessary), which is inserted into your vagina.

Not all the women who develop prolapse of the pelvic organs have had children. Anything that increases pressure in the abdomen (such as a per-sistent cough, chronic constipation. obesity) puts excessive strain on the supports of the uterus and can lead to prolapse. The supports also weaken with age and reduced oestrogen production. Many women with prolapse find that symptoms will begin or are aggravated after the menopause.

Causes of Uterine Prolapse

The common Causes of Uterine Prolapse :

• Obesity.
• Childbirth.
• Menopause.
• Persistent cough.
• Advancing age.
• Injury.
• Weak pelvic floor muscles.

Symptom of Uterine Prolapse

Minoiprolapse of the uterus may not cause any problems. Moresevere prolapse can cause a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen and back, increased vaginal discharge; and perhaps the feelipg that something is coming out of the vagina. Symptoms are usually relievedby lying down. If cystocele is present, symptoms include difficulty in starting and stoping urination, urinary frequency, a feeling that the bladder needs emptying again soon after urination, and problems controlling the bladder. Frequent urinary infections may result if the bladder never empties properly. Rectocele may cause difficulty emptying the bowel, in spite of a constant feeling that the rectum is full and needs to be emptied. Constipation can become a problem. Some common Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse :

• Low backache.
• Feeling of rectal fullness.
• Constipation.
• Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis.
• Difficult or painful sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Sensation of fullness in the vagina.
• Protrusion of pink tissue from the vagina that may be irritated or itchy.
• Frequent urinary tract infections.

Treatment of Uterine Prolapse

This depends on the severity of symptoms and the extent of the prolapse. Slight prolapse of the uterus without symptoms needs no treatment. A woman with moderate uterine prolapse can often be helped by insertion of a pessary (strong plastic ring) in the vagina to hold the uterus up and lift any associated cystocele and rectocele. If the supports of the uterus are so stretched that it pro-trudes from the vagina, surgical repair is usually needed.

• Tightening the weakened muscles without taking out the uterus. This is usually done through the vagina, but it also can be done through the abdomen. Although this is a type of surgery, it is not as extensive as a hysterectomy.
• If the person is overweight or obese, then the doctor advised the patient to have a healthy weight and maintain that weight. He can recommend some exercises too and avoid heavy lifting and straining.
• Doctors usually recommend this operation if symptoms are bothersome or if the uterus has dropped so far that it is coming through the vagina.
• Self-care (Kegel exercises). Learn to recognize, control and develop the pelvic muscles.
• Patients with mild symptoms can usually be treated with an exercise program (Kegel), hormone therapy, and pessary if needed.

Mild and moderate degrees of cystocele and rectocele are often greatly helped by pelvic floor exercises and other forms of physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and improve emptying of the bladder and bowel.

Uterine prolapse - The uterus has prolapsed into the vagina, and the cervix has reached the vaginal entrance.