Uterine prolapse is the name given to the sagging of the uterus downwards from the point where it should normally be. The uterus, also defined as uterus in medical language, is between 5 and 6 cm in women who have not given birth, while in some women it is between 6 and 7 cm. It is located on the inside of the pelvis, behind the urinary bladder, in front of the intestines. It is an organ with limited movement ability. It can sag over time due to advanced age or excessive number of births.
However, it is also observed that it can sag for different reasons. Muscles that weaken over time cannot get enough support and slide downwards. Especially in progressive cases, it may also hang out of the vagina. Mild sagging may not require treatment. However, treatment is strongly recommended in advanced cases.
What is Uterine Prolapse?
What is Uterine Prolapse? The uterus, one of the reproductive organs in women, has limited mobility. Therefore, it does not stand in a fixed position. It hangs in the region thanks to its pelvic muscles and connective tissues. However, over time, it tends to sag downwards from the area where it is located due to different reasons. While some patients have mild sagging, others have advanced sagging.
Therefore, treatment is not required in some cases. However, some of them must be treated because their mobility is restricted.
Why does uterine prolapse occur?
Why Does Uterine Prolapse Occur? Uterine prolapse, which can occur for different reasons, can occur especially after birth. However, in some patients, it occurs due to advancing age. In general, among the most common causes of uterine prolapse are the following:
- Pregnancy
- Advanced age
- Multiple pregnancy
- Chronic cough
- Chronic constipation
- Being overweight or obese
- Pelvic tumours
- Genetic causes
- Smoking
- Giving birth in large numbers
- Slimming after menopause
- Giving birth to a large baby
- Trauma during labour
- Decreased estrogen level
- Having pelvic operations
How to Understand Uterine Prolapse?
How to Understand Uterine Prolapse? First of all, since some patients may have mild sagging, this situation may not be noticed. In mild sagging, treatment is usually not required. However, some people may have excessive sagging and the uterus may come out of the vagina. In such a case, treatment should be applied immediately. Whenthe symptoms of uterine prolapse manifest themselves, the patient must be examined. The extent of the prolapse is examined and an appropriate treatment is applied.
What are the Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse?
What are the Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse? Uterine prolapse can occur due to different situations. In such a case, the person needs to be treated. When sagging occurs in the person's uterus, some symptoms manifest themselves. Symptoms of uterine prolapse include the following:
- Inability to urinate
- Urinary incontinence
- Feeling like something is coming out of the vagina
- Problems with bowel movements
- Vaginal bleeding
- Increased vaginal discharge rate
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A tissue protruding from the vagina
What are the Causes of Uterine Prolapse?
It is observed that this condition, which is more likely to occur after birth, usually occurs after multiple births. Giving birth in large numbers, in cases such as advancing age are also among the causes of uterine prolapse. Factors such as chronic cough, chronic constipation, smoking are among the causes.
How is Uterine Prolapse Diagnosed?
How is Uterine Prolapse Diagnosed? During the examination, the patient should strain and squeeze her muscles as if she is holding her urine. In this way, pelvic muscles can be observed and uterine prolapse is diagnosed .
How is Uterine Prolapse Treated?
How is uterine prolapse treated? Kegel exercises should be applied in mild sagging. However, in advanced stages, patients need to be operated. Weak pelvic tissues are repaired with surgery. In severe sagging, hysterectomy is used.
