Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position in the pelvis into the vaginal canal. This occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus become weakened, allowing it to sag or slip down. The degree of prolapse can range from mild to severe, and the uterus may protrude out of the vaginal opening in severe cases.
Symptoms
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort.
- Difficulty having a bowel movement or urination.
- Incontinence.
- In severe cases, women may experience bulging or protrusion from the vaginal opening.
Women need to discuss their symptoms with the Best Urogynecologist in Chennai and receive prompt treatment to prevent further progression of the prolapse.
Risk factors for uterine prolapse include:
- Childbirth: Women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries, particularly those with larger babies, have a higher risk of developing uterine prolapse. The strain on the pelvic floor muscles during delivery can weaken them and increase the likelihood of uterine prolapse.
- Menopause: Declining estrogen levels during menopause can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Obesity: Excess weight can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Chronic coughing: Chronic coughing from conditions such as smoking or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Straining during bowel movements: Straining during bowel movements can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Pelvic surgery: Women who have had pelvic surgery, particularly a hysterectomy, have an increased risk of developing uterine prolapse.
- Family history: Women with a family history of uterine prolapse are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
- Age: Women’s pelvic floor muscles can naturally weaken as they age, increasing the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Heavy lifting: Repetitive heavy lifting can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
- Constipation: Straining during bowel movements associated with constipation can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of uterine prolapse.
Treatments
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve symptoms of uterine prolapse.
- Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and managing chronic coughing can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the progression of uterine prolapse.
- Estrogen therapy can help improve pelvic floor muscle function and alleviate symptoms of uterine prolapse in postmenopausal women.
- Surgical procedures such as hysterectomy are recommended in severe cases to correct uterine prolapse. These procedures aim to lift the uterus and secure it in a higher position. Fibroids removal surgery in Chennai is another treatment suitable for uterine prolapse. Fibroids removal in Chennai helps to reduce the symptoms of uterine prolapse and also reduces the risk of developing the condition.
Treatment options will depend on the severity of the prolapse and individual health status, and the best gynecologist for fibroids removal in Chennai will be your best guide in such conditions.
