Uterine Prolapse: Symptoms and Treatment

Uterus, the child bearing organ, and the urinary bladder are held in place by muscles and ligaments. When these muscles and ligaments weaken (most commonly due to multiple vaginal deliveries), either the uterus or the bladder (or in some cases, both) sink down. In extreme cases, the uterus sinks into the vagina and can be seen at the vagina’s opening. According to gynaecological surgeons, this sinking down of the uterus is called uterine prolapse.

Symptoms:

Mild uterine prolapse is usually symptomless. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, it usually means the prolapse is of a more severe nature:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infections
• An uneasy feeling in the vagina, patients usually describe a pulling or tugging feeling in the vaginal area
• Uterus projecting out of the vagina; this is observed as a pink tissue protrusion from the vagina
• Urinary incontinence; the urine leaks out during coughs, sneezes, etc.
• Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse
• An urge to urinate frequently

Treatment

The following methods of treating urinary prolapse have given good results.

Kegel Exercises:

These exercises are extremely effective in strengthening the muscles that support the uterus. The benefits of regularly performing these exercises are visible within 3-6 weeks. Of course, it is the regularity and the precision in performing these exercises that yield results.

To perform these exercises, it is necessary to first empty the bladder. Then the pelvic floor muscles are tightened and held for around 5 seconds. This is followed by the relaxation of the muscles for another 5 seconds. This tightening and relaxation should be done around 10 times. For best results, performing these exercises 3 times a day is recommended.

Pessaries:

A pessary is a rubbery, ring-shaped piece of equipment that is fitted into the upper portion of the vagina. The pessary holds up the uterus and prevents it from sagging. Thus, the pessary effectively does the function of the weakened pelvic floor muscles. The importance of cleaning the pessary cannot be stressed enough. The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of pessary being used as well as the type of prolapse. The pessary should not be left in the body for a period longer than 3 months. If after the placement of the pessary, the patient experiences side effects like urinary tract infections, itching in the vagina or a foul-smelling discharge, they should consult their gynaecologist immediately. As the pessary can be removed easily, the side effects are easily corrected.

Surgical Treatment:

• One surgical method is uterine suspension wherein the uterus is held in its original position by either refastening the weakened ligaments or by using artificial surgical materials.
• The other surgical method is hysterectomy where the uterus is removed through the vagina or abdomen. Of course, this method is not for women who plan to have children.

The Use of Vaginal Estrogen

The hormone estrogen keeps the pelvic muscles strong. In older women, the level of estrogen goes down and hence they are more susceptible for experiencing uterine prolapse. Administering vaginal estrogen strengthens the pelvic muscles but this method is used as a supplement along with the other gynaecology services and not as a stand-alone option.

For women dealing with uterine prolapse or related issues, seeking consultation with specialists at Kauvery Hospital can be extremely beneficial. With branches located across Tirunelveli, Salem, Hosur, Trichy, and Chennai, accessibility to expert care is readily available.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801