What is a prolapsed uterus?
You can usually fix a prolapsed uterus with medications, home care, or surgery.
Uterine prolapse is when the uterus sags through the pelvic muscles that usually keep it in place. Experts estimate that half of all women experience some degree of bladder or uterine prolapse after giving birth. However, only 10-20% of women have severe enough cases to seek medical treatment.
A “hammock” of muscles and ligaments normally holds the uterus in its usual position. However, these supportive structures may experience some wear and tear that causes the bottom of the uterus to drop through these layers. This may lead to the uterus bulging into or even out of the vagina.
Symptoms of a prolapsed uterus
Some cases of prolapsed uterus have no symptoms. Typically, cases that have no symptoms are only a partial prolapse. More severe cases may include symptoms like:
- Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area
- Pressure in vagina
- Urinary issues, such as painful urination, difficulty urinating, leaking urine, or chronic bladder infections
- Constipation
- The feeling that you are sitting on something, like a ball
- Visible tissue coming from the vagina
- Non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
- Lower back pain
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful or uncomfortable penetrative sex
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Complications and side effects of a prolapsed uterus
Doing pelvic floor exercises and using a pessary are low-risk. However, doing either of these outside of the care of a doctor may be dangerous. You should get proper training on how to perform the exercises and use a pessary to avoid further injury.
Any surgery carries risks, including the surgery for a prolapsed uterus. Surgery may be riskier for you if you:
- Have a medical condition, such as diabetes
- Have heart disease
- Experience breathing problems
- Are a smoker
- Are obese
Experts recommend that women wait until they are done having children to have surgery to repair a prolapsed uterus, because it is likely that giving birth again will cause another prolapse.
This surgery may also cause new problems to arise, like chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, the involuntary leakage of urine.