Uterine Prolapse

Definition

Uterine prolapse is the descent of the cervix and uterus into the vagina and beyond. It may be caused by relaxation of the uterosacral and cardinalligaments. Uterine prolapse has three degrees. In first degree uterine prolapse, the cervix is still within the vagina. In second degree uterine prolapse, the cervix is at the vaginal introitus. In third degree uterine prolapse, the cervix and uterus are outside of the vaginal introitus. Uterine prolapse is more common in older women. . It's also more common in white women.

Causes of uterine prolapse

The most common cause of uterine prolapse is trauma. Genetics may predispose some women to develop uterine prolapse. In addition, advancing age contributes to the loss of muscle tone and the relaxation of the pelvic muscles. The loss of hormonal support with estrogen in postmenopausal women is another contributing factor. Additional strain on the uterine muscles may be caused by obesity, thereby contributing to uterine prolapse. The same theory applies to patients who suffer from excessive coughing, such as associated with chronic bronchitis and asthma, or straining due to chronic constipation.

Symptoms of uterine prolapse

Patients with uterine prolapse commonly complain of a bulge or lump in the vagina. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Backache
• Difficulty or pain with sexual intercourse
• Disruption of bladder and bowel function
• Bleeding if the cervix is ulcerated.

Uterine prolapse may be associated with cystocele and rectocele. Patients with concurrent cystocele may complain of frequent urinary tract infections or other urinary symptoms such as incontinence. Patients with concurrent rectocele may also suffer from hemorrhoids and constipation.

Treatment of uterine prolapse

If you have this disease, then you should be use Possible treatment such as:

• Usually, uterine prolapse is only treated if a woman is symptomatic. A pessary is inserted into the vagina to hold the uterus in place. Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes and must be fitted to the individual patient. They can be used as a temporary or permanent form of treatment.
• For the treatment of this disease, a pessary requires cleaning by the patient and may irritate the vaginal mucosa. Some patients may complain that it interferes with intercourse because it affects the depth of penetration.
• If you have this disease, then patients must be aware of signs and symptoms of vaginal infections because the presence of a foreign object in the vagina will increase their risk.
• Another treatment of this diseas is vaginal hysterectomy. It is the surgical method of choice for effective treatment of uterine prolapse. At the time of hysterectomy, the surgeon can also usually repair sagging vaginal walls, urethra, bladder, or rectum.
• Another surgical procedure, laparoscopic suture hysteropexy, may also be used to treat uterine prolapse. It involves plication of the uterosacral ligaments and reattachment of them to the cervix. It's effective and safe, and enables preservation of the uterus.