Uterine Prolapse Treatment Q & A
What is uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is a common women’s health condition that causes the uterus to slide down into the vagina. This condition occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support your pelvic organs stretch and weaken.
How do I know if I have uterine prolapse?
More than one-third of American women experience some type of pelvic organ prolapse. However, only about 25% of these women feel symptoms. Women who do feel symptoms may experience the following:
- Feeling like you’re sitting on a ball
- A pulling sensation in the pelvis
- Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating
- Urinary tract infections
- Bulging in the vagina
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
Symptoms of uterine prolapse may be mild in the morning and worsen throughout the day. You should schedule an appointment at Coeur OBGYN if you suspect you have uterine prolapse.
What causes uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that hold your pelvic organs in place become stretched, torn, or weakened. Conditions that cause pelvic muscles to weaken include:
- Vaginal childbirth, especially with babies bigger than 9 pounds
- Hormonal changes that occur during menopause
- Surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy
- Extreme physical activity or heavy lifting
Conditions that put extra pressure on the abdomen, such as being overweight or straining to move your bowels, may also weaken the pelvic muscles.
How do you diagnose and treat uterine prolapse?
Your provider at Coeur OBGYN first performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may discover you have uterine prolapse during a pelvic exam, even if you don’t have symptoms.
They develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. If your uterine prolapse is mild, your provider may recommend self-care measures, such as losing weight or strengthening your pelvic muscles with Kegel exercises. They may also recommend a vaginal pessary, or a ring that supports your bulging tissues.
Severe cases of uterine prolapse may require surgery. The surgeons at Coeur OBGYN perform minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, including laparoscopic surgery.
To learn more about uterine prolapse treatment, call Coeur OBGYN or book an appointment online today.
