UTERINE PROLAPSE AND URINARY INCONTINENCE

Uterine prolapse is a common condition that occurs as we age, usually after menopause. Or it occurs in people who have had multiple vaginal births. The muscles, ligaments and tissues in your pelvis support your uterus, rectum, vagina, bladder and other pelvic organs. Prolapse occurs when your pelvic floor muscles become damaged or weakened to the point where they can no longer provide support, causing your pelvic organs to fall into or out of your vagina. Uterine prolapse can be mild or severe, depending on how weak the supporting muscles of your uterus have become.  Uterine prolapse treatment requires surgical and non-surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the prolapse.

Stages of Uterine Prolapse

Your uterus falls into the upper part of your vagina.
Your uterus falls into the lower part of your vagina.
Your uterus protrudes from your vagina.
The whole uterus slides out of your vagina.

Prolapsed uterus is more likely to occur in people who

Have had one or more vaginal births.
Have gone through menopause.
Have a family history of uterine prolapse.
Have had previous pelvic surgery.

How do you fix a prolapsed uterus?

There are surgical and non-surgical options to treat uterine prolapse. Your doctor will determine the type of treatment depending on the severity of the prolapse, your general health, your age and whether you want to have children in the future, treatment is usually effective for most people. The treatment options are as follows:

Non-surgical procedures

Exercise: Special exercises called Kegel exercises help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This is a treatment needed in mild cases of uterine prolapse. To do Kegel exercises, squeeze your pelvic muscles as if you were trying to hold in urine. Hold the muscles tightly for a few seconds and then release them. Repeat 10 times. You can do these exercises anywhere and anytime (up to four times a day).

Diet and lifestyle: Changes in your diet and lifestyle can help relieve symptoms such as constipation, increase your intake of water and fiber, and reduce difficulty passing stools. Maintaining a healthy weight for your body type will also put less pressure on your pelvic muscles when standing or walking.

Surgical options

Hysterectomy and prolapse repair: Uterine prolapse can be treated by removing your uterus in surgery called a hysterectomy. This can be done through an incision (cut) in your vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or through your abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy). A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus, which means that the patient will no longer be able to get pregnant in the future.

Prolapse repair without hysterectomy: This procedure returns your uterus to its normal position. It is done by reattaching the pelvic ligaments to the lower part of the uterus to hold it in place. The surgery can be done through your vagina or abdomen, depending on the technique your doctor uses.

Here are ways to reduce the progression of uterine prolapse:

Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Quitting or reducing smoking reduces coughing.
Use proper lifting techniques when carrying heavy objects that can put extra pressure on your muscles.
Avoid becoming constipated or having difficulty defecating.