When the pelvic muscles, tissues, and ligaments weaken, the uterus can drop into the vaginal canal, causing uterine prolapse. Almost half of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some degree of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse or some other form of pelvic organ prolapse. Factors that increase the risk of uterine prolapse include childbirth, advanced age, obesity, chronic constipation, menopause, and hysterectomy. Many women with uterine prolapse have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include a bulge in the vagina, a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or vagina, and pain in the lower back accompanied by a bulge in the vagina. Other manifestations of the condition can be urinary incontinence, the inability to completely empty the bladder, a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvis, and chronic constipation. How is uterine prolapse treated? If the symptoms cause discomfort or lead to difficulty in carrying out daily activities, consultation with a gynecologist is necessary regarding treatment options. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss can help. So can Kegel exercises. They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To do this exercise, you squeeze the muscles you use to control the flow of urine and hold for up to 10 seconds, then relax. This action is repeated about 50 times during the day. Placing a pessary can also relieve symptoms. This is a device that the gynecologist places in the vagina to support the pelvic organs. A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. This type of surgery can also be performed through the vagina. Healing time is faster than surgery that requires an abdominal incision. It also has fewer complications. Prolapse of the uterus is often associated with prolapse of other pelvic organs. Depending on which organs have prolapsed, the following are observed: Anterior prolapse (cystocele). Weakness in the connective tissue separating the bladder and vagina can cause the bladder to protrude into the vagina. Anterior prolapse is also called a prolapsed bladder. Posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele). Weakness of the connective tissue separating the rectum and vagina can cause the rectum to protrude into the vagina. You may have difficulty emptying your bowels. Severe uterine prolapse can dislodge part of the vaginal lining, causing it to protrude outside the body. Vaginal tissue that rubs against clothing can cause vaginal sores (ulcers). Rarely, wounds can become infected. To reduce the risk of uterine prolapse, it is necessary to: Do Kegel exercises regularly. These exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles – especially after a vaginal birth. Treat and prevent constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.Avoid heavy lifting and lift properly. When lifting, use your legs instead of your waist or back. Avoid gaining weight. Bibliography: Uterine Prolapse | Johns Hopkins Medicine Uterine prolapse – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
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