As you might already know, the uterus doesn’t float around freely in your body. It’s held in place by a network of tissues, ligaments, and muscles that comprise the pelvic floor. A number of circumstances can cause the supportive framework to weaken, frequently leading to pelvic organ prolapse. The condition can be severe, affecting all of the organs in the pelvic region including the vagina and the bladder or causing only one organ to prolapse. Regardless, the issue is concerning and should be treated. Among the most common types of prolapse is a prolapsed uterus, which occurs when the uterus drops into the vaginal canal.
The Degree of Failure
Though some women suffer from a prolapsed uterus as they age and their production of estrogen lowers, a uterus prolapse can also be caused by weakened muscles that sometimes result from pregnancy, childbirth, or a difficult delivery. Prolapsing uterus happens in stages, from first degree to fourth degree. Each degree relates to how far the prolapsed uterus has dropped, beginning with a drop into the vagina that occurs during first degree and progressing to the fourth degree, the point at which the entire uterus is outside the vagina.
It could be simple enough to attribute a prolapsed uterus to a weakening of the muscles caused by life circumstances.
More often than not, however, it is related to other conditions including:
Other causes sometimes include smoking, pelvic area surgeries, obesity, chronic coughing, increased and frequent straining, pelvic tumors, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
As with any condition, care from a medical professional will be needed for the proper diagnosis before treatment options can be explored. After medical history is taken and a female pelvic exam has been performed to determine the cause and severity of the uterine prolapse.
Uterus prolapse treatment options may include:
- Kegels exercise to strengthen the muscles
- Medications such as hormonal therapy
- Surgery such as hysterectomy
- Insertion of a pessary device
Fortunately, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to prevent a prolapsed uterus, including weight reduction; eating a balanced, high-fiber diet to avoid constipation; regularly performing pelvic floor muscle exercises; and avoiding activities that are overly strenuous to the pelvic muscles.
Don’t let your health lapse! Consult with the caring team at Coyle Institute today!