Are You Suffering From Uterine Prolapse? - Tips for Managing Symptoms
What is Uterine Prolapse?
Uterine prolapse has four stages:
- Stage 1: The uterus drops into the vagina, but does not extend past the vaginal opening.
- Stage 2: The uterus extends past the vaginal opening when straining, but retracts back inside afterward.
- Stage 3: The uterus extends past the vaginal opening both during straining and at rest. However, it can be pushed back in manually.
- Stage 4: The uterus hangs outside the vagina at all times and cannot be pushed back inside.
Uterine prolapse often occurs alongside rectal prolapse, when the rectum bulges into the vagina, and cystocele, when the bladder sags into the vaginal wall.
Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse
The most common uterine prolapse symptoms include:
- A heavy or dragging sensation in the pelvis
- Feeling of sitting on a small ball
- Tissue protruding from the vagina
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Incontinence or urine leakage
- Constipation and pain during bowel movements
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms tend to worsen with physical activities that put pressure on the pelvic floor, such as standing for long periods, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or straining during bowel movements. The severity depends on how far the uterus has prolapsed.
What Causes Uterine Prolapse?
- Pregnancy and childbirth – Pregnancy places extra weight and pressure on the pelvic floor, and vaginal delivery can overstretch and damage muscles and ligaments. Women who deliver large babies or require forceps are at higher risk.
- Menopause – Loss of estrogen after menopause leads to tissue thinning.
- Aging – Pelvic floor muscles weaken over time. Risk increases above age 50.
- Chronic constipation and straining – Repeated straining damages pelvic floor over time.
- Obesity – Extra body weight puts pressure on pelvic floor.
- Genetics – Some women have connective tissue disorders that make prolapse more likely.
- Prior pelvic surgery – Pelvic surgery can damage or impair pelvic floor function.
- Heavy lifting or high impact exercise – Activities that increase abdominal pressure raise prolapse risk.
Treating and Managing Uterine Prolapse
- Kegel exercises – Strengthening pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises can sometimes improve mild prolapse.
- Pessary – A rubber or silicone device inserted in the vagina to help hold up the uterus.
- Surgery – Several surgical procedures can repair pelvic floor and reposition the uterus. This is often needed for severe cases.
To help manage symptoms:
- Wear a pessary during activities that worsen prolapse.
- Use vaginal estrogen cream to improve tissue strength if post-menopausal.
- Try squatting instead of sitting to urinate and have bowel movements.
- Take stool softeners and laxatives to avoid constipation and straining.
- Limit lifting heavy objects and high impact exercise.
- Perform Kegels regularly to strengthen pelvic floor.
- Consider physical therapy with a pelvic floor specialist.
- Use a vaginal support device like Poise Impressa to provide internal support.
Uterine prolapse can negatively impact your quality of life. But knowing what to do can help you take control of your symptoms. Focus on pelvic floor strengthening, minimising strain, and getting the right treatment for your situation. With a proactive approach, you can continue living comfortably and actively.
Conclusion
Uterine prolapse can be frustrating to deal with, but the good news is there are ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Focus on gentle exercise, smart lifestyle modifications, using support devices as needed, and seeking the right treatment plan for your individual case. While uterine prolapse may not yet have a cure, it is a condition that you can learn to successfully live with. Stay positive, be proactive, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. With the right approach, you can minimise the impact of uterine prolapse on your daily activities.