A prolapsed uterus occurs when a woman's pelvic organs slip out of place due to the weakening of the muscles and ligaments that support it. There are numerous risk factors that can contribute to this condition, including menopause, obesity, and multiple pregnancies. The types of uterine prolapse depend on its severity.
This is a very common disease as studies have shown that about half of all women over the age of 50 suffer from it. With that said, it is important to try to take the necessary steps to avoid it, as well as know and understand your options for treatment if you have it.
Mentioned in the succeeding paragraphs are the different methods for treating uterine prolapse. Note that this is simply a guide to help you weigh your options, it is still best to consult your physician before making the final decision.
Kegel Exercises. In cases where the uterine prolapse is not severe and the uterus has not completely fallen into the vaginal cavity, most doctnrs would instruct patient to practice Kegels in order to reverse the effects of the condition. Kegel exercises are done to improve the muscle tone by strengthening the pubococcygeus muscles of the pelvic floor.
To do them, the woman has to first locate her PC muscle. Once she has established where they are, she just has to squeeze them as hard as she can and hold it for a count of 3-5 seconds. The repetitions and length of holding them should increase as she progresses in order to build the muscle's strength.
Medication. At times, medicine can suffice in curing a prolapsed uterus. In women who are in the menopausal stage, estrogen levels are significantly decreased, as the body no longer produces it. This results in the weakening of the muscles in the pelvic region. Estrogen replacement therapy can reverse this. However, specialists note that this kind of treatment may not be permanent as there are chances that women who are already suffering from uterine prolapse may develop other types of prolapse as well, and medication may not solve those types.
Pessaries. A pessary is a plastic ring that may be placed within the vagina in order to support the pelvic organs. This is considered as the number one alternative for those patients who do not want or cannot undergo surgery. There are some risks, however, in the use of a pessary as it may lead to pelvic discomfort, bleeding, and vaginal ulceration. It is also necessary for the pessary to be removed, cleaned, and reinserted at regular intervals.
Physical Therapy. There are two types of physical therapy that can be utilized in order to treat a uterine prolapse. The first is electrical stimulation. This procedure requires your doctor to apply small electrical currents to certain muscles in your vagina, causing them to contract and in turn, strengthens them.
The other option is called biofeedback wherein as the patient performs pelvic floor exercises a sensor monitors your muscle contractions to determine if they positively affect the PC muscles.
Hysterectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus, commonly performed by a gynecologist. It is the most frequently performed gynecological surgical procedure and the success rate is considerably high. This could be the final option for you if you have suffered from a complete uterine prolapse, where your uterus has begun to protrude from your vaginal opening. This is also the most common option for women who are postmenopausal or are no longer considering getting pregnant.