- Main symptoms
- Uterine prolapse in pregnancy
- How the treatment is done
- Surgery for uterine prolapse
- Causes of uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse corresponds to the descent of the uterus into the vagina caused by the weakening of the muscles that keep the organs inside the pelvis in the correct position, thus being considered the main cause of a low uterus. Understand what the low uterus is and main symptoms.
Although it is more common in elderly women or women who have had several normal births, this change can also occur before menopause or during pregnancy.
Uterine prolapse can be classified according to the level of descent of the uterus through the vagina into:
- Grade 1 uterine prolapse, in which the uterus descends, but the cervix does not appear in the vulva; Grade 2 uterine prolapse, in which the uterus descends and the cervix appears together with the anterior and posterior wall of the vagina; Grade 3 uterine prolapse, in which the uterus is outside the vulva up to 1 cm; Grade 4 uterine prolapse, in which the uterus externalizes more than 1 cm.
Other organs in the pelvis region such as the walls of the vagina, bladder and rectum may also undergo this displacement due to the weakening of the pelvic support muscles.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of uterine prolapse are:
- Pain in the belly; Vaginal discharge; Sensation of something leaving the vagina; Urinary incontinence; Difficulty in evacuating; Pain in sexual intercourse.
When uterine prolapse is less severe, symptoms may not be seen. However, when signs and symptoms indicating uterine prolapse are identified, it is important to consult a gynecologist in order to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
Uterine prolapse in pregnancy
Uterine prolapse in pregnancy is very rare and can occur before or during pregnancy. In addition, uterine prolapse in pregnancy can lead to cervical infection, urinary retention, spontaneous abortion and premature labor. That is why you must follow all the obstetrician's guidelines to reduce the risk of complications.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of uterine prolapse is established according to the degree of descent of the uterus, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which are Kegel exercises, may be indicated. See how to do Kegel exercises.
In addition, the use of hormone-containing creams or rings to be applied to the vagina can help restore vaginal tissue, however, when it comes to severe uterine prolapse, only surgery can be effective.
Surgery for uterine prolapse
Surgery for uterine prolapse is safe and effective, and is indicated when recovery does not respond to other forms of treatment.
According to the doctor's indication, surgery can be performed with the aim of:
- Repair the uterus: in these cases, the surgeon replaces the uterus in its place, keeping it inside the vagina using a device called a pessary and proceeds to the placement of prostheses, called nets, which hold the uterus in its position; in this surgery partial or total removal of the uterus occurs, and it is usually done in women at menopause, or when the prolapse is very severe. Hysterectomy is effective in curing uterine prolapse, but it can trigger immediate menopause if the ovaries are also removed. See what else can happen after the uterus is removed.
Learn how recovery from surgery for uterine prolapse is.
Causes of uterine prolapse
The most common cause of uterine prolapse is the weakening of the pelvis due to aging. However, other causes that contribute to the occurrence of prolapse can be:
- Multiple deliveries; Menopause due to reduced estrogen hormone; Sequelae of previous infections in the pelvis region; Obesity; Excessive weight lifting.
In addition to these causes, chronic cough, constipation, pelvic tumors and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen cause increased pressure in the abdomen and pelvis and therefore can also cause uterine prolapse.
The diagnosis of uterine prolapse is made with clinical examinations that evaluate all organs of the pelvis simultaneously, in addition to gynecological examinations such as colposcopy and vaginal smears performed by gynecology to evaluate the best form of treatment. See the main exams requested by the gynecologist.
