What is Uterine Prolapse? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Uterine prolapse (uterine prolapse) is the condition in which the uterus slides towards the vaginal canal and sags downwards. This condition occurs as a result of the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and is usually more common after childbirth, aging or post-menopause. The pelvic floor muscles are important muscles that support the uterus. When these muscles become weak or damaged, the uterus sags towards the vagina. Uterine prolapse can range from mild to severe cases and can negatively affect a person's daily life, sexual life and general health.

 

What is Uterine Prolapse?

Uterine prolapse (uterine prolapse) is a condition in which the uterus moves into or out of the vagina and sags into the vaginal canal. Normally, the uterus is supported by the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. However, when these muscles and ligaments weaken or become damaged, the uterus cannot stay in place and can sag downward. This can cause effects ranging from mild discomfort to serious health problems.

Stages of Uterine Prolapse:

• 1. Stage: The uterus slightly prolapses into the vagina but does not come out of the vaginal opening.
• Stage 2: The uterus descends to the vaginal opening but does not come out.
• Stage 3: The uterus prolapses out of the vaginal opening.
• Stage 4: The entire uterus prolapses out of the vagina. This is the most advanced stage and usually requires surgical intervention.

The stage of uterine prolapse is important in determining the treatment method.

What Causes Uterine Prolapse?

Uterine prolapse occurs due to weakening or damage to the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting the uterus and other pelvic organs. However, these muscles can weaken due to various reasons such as childbirth, aging, heavy lifting, obesity and hormonal changes.

Main Causes of Uterine Prolapse:

• Childbirth: Pelvic muscles can weaken especially in women who have had difficult births or given birth more than once.
• Aging: As we age, the flexibility of muscles and connective tissues decreases, which weakens the structures that support the uterus.
• Menopause: The decrease in estrogen hormone can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to uterine prolapse.
• Heavy Lifting: Weight lifting puts pressure on the pelvic area, causing the muscles in this area to weaken.
• Chronic Cough: Constant coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure and cause the uterus to prolapse downwards.
• Genetics: The risk of uterine prolapse increases in people with a family history of pelvic floor weakness.

These are the most common factors that lead to uterine prolapse.

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse

Symptoms of uterine prolapse may vary depending on the degree of prolapse. Some women may experience minimal symptoms in the early stages of uterine prolapse, but they may experience significant symptoms in the advanced stages.

Main Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse:

• Heaviness in the Uterus: The feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area increases, especially when standing for a long time.
• Protrusion from the Vagina: In the advanced stages, a portion of the uterus may be felt or seen to protrude from the vagina.
• Urinary Incontinence: Problems such as urinary incontinence or inability to fully empty urine may occur due to pressure on the bladder.
• Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse can be felt.
• Lower Back Pain: Back pain may occur with the weakening of the pelvic floor.

These symptoms are important signs for the diagnosis of uterine prolapse and it is recommended that people who experience such symptoms consult a doctor.

Factors Leading to Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse can occur as a result of a combination of various factors. Conditions that cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken may increase the risk of uterine prolapse.

Main Factors Leading to Uterine Prolapse:

• Age: Advanced age increases the risk of uterine prolapse by weakening the pelvic muscles.
• Birth: Women who give birth vaginally put more pressure on their pelvic floor muscles, which increases the risk of uterine prolapse.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken.
• Hormonal Changes: The decrease in estrogen hormone during menopause leads to weakening of the pelvic tissues.
• Genetics: Some women may have genetically weak pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to uterine prolapse.

Being aware of these risk factors and taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of uterine prolapse.

Uterine Prolapse Treatment Methods

Uterine prolapse can be controlled with various treatment methods depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes may be sufficient, while in more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Treatment Options for Uterine Prolapse:

1. Kegel Exercises: These exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, can be effective in mild uterine prolapse.
2. Using a Pessary: A device called a pessary is placed inside the vagina to support the uterus and prevent further prolapse.
3. Laser Treatment: Laser treatment, which allows the regeneration and tightening of vaginal tissues, offers a non-surgical treatment option.
4. Surgical Intervention: Treatment of uterine prolapse in advanced stages Surgery may be required. These surgeries include repositioning the uterus inside the vagina or removing the uterus.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the prolapse and the patient's general health.

Ways to Prevent Uterine Prolapse

To prevent uterine prolapse, it is important to do exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and develop healthy lifestyle habits.

Measures That Can Be Taken to Prevent Uterine Prolapse:

• Doing Kegel Exercises: Regular pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles and reduce the risk of uterine prolapse.
• Healthy Weight: Getting rid of excess weight reduces the pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
• Avoiding Heavy Lifting: Lifting excessive weight puts pressure on the pelvic area, so it is beneficial to avoid heavy lifting.
• Bladder and Bowel Control: Avoiding excessive straining during urination and defecation helps protect the pelvic muscles.

These measures can help prevent uterine prolapse and maintain pelvic health.

The Effect of Uterine Prolapse on Sexual Life

Uterine prolapse can also have negative effects on sexual life. Some women with uterine prolapse may feel discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, the feeling of prolapse can cause loss of self-confidence. However, with the right treatment methods, these problems can be largely eliminated.

Effects on Sexual Life:

• Feeling of Discomfort: The prolapse of the uterus into the vagina can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Loss of Sexual Self-Confidence: Uterine prolapse can lead to a decrease in sexual self-confidence due to aesthetic concerns.
• Recovery after Treatment: Thanks to the applied treatment methods, the feeling of discomfort during sexual intercourse decreases and sexual satisfaction increases.

After treatment, sexual life improves and the discomfort caused by uterine prolapse can be eliminated.

When is Uterine Prolapse Surgery Necessary?

In cases where uterine prolapse is severe, surgery may be required. Surgery usually involves repositioning the uterus in the vagina or removing the uterus. Surgical intervention is preferred when other treatment methods have failed.

Surgical Interventions:

• Uterine Support Surgeries: Surgical interventions performed to strengthen the ligaments and muscles that hold the uterus in place.
• Hysterectomy: In advanced stages, removal of the uterus may be necessary.

The decision for surgery is made by the doctor depending on the severity of the prolapse and the patient's general health status.

Postmenopausal Uterine Prolapse

Menopause is an important risk factor for uterine prolapse. The estrogen hormone decreases with menopause, pcauses weakening of the pelvic tissues and increases the risk of uterine prolapse.

Treatment Methods During Menopause:

• Hormone Therapy: Estrogen supplements can help strengthen the pelvic muscles.
• Laser Therapy: Non-surgical laser treatments can be applied to tighten vaginal tissues after menopause.
• Surgical Options: Surgical intervention may be required in advanced stages.

In cases of post-menopausal uterine prolapse, it is possible to eliminate the problem with appropriate treatment options.

Suitable Candidates for Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse treatment is suitable for women whose pelvic floor muscles have weakened and who have begun to experience uterine prolapse. Treatment options are evaluated depending on the severity of the prolapse and its effect on the person's quality of life.

Who is Suitable for Treatment?

• Women with Weak Pelvic Muscles: Women whose pelvic floor muscles are weakened and who show signs of uterine prolapse.
• Those with Urinary Incontinence: Women with urinary incontinence.
• Those with Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse: Women who feel discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.

A detailed evaluation should be made with the doctor to determine the appropriate treatment options.

Permanence of Uterine Prolapse

The results obtained after uterine prolapse treatment are usually permanent. However, factors such as aging and childbirth can cause prolapse to recur over time. Doing exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles after treatment can help prevent prolapse from recurring.

Long-Term Effects After Treatment:

• Continuing Exercises: Doing Kegel exercises regularly after treatment increases the permanence of treatment results.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Avoiding excess weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent prolapse from recurring.

Regular check-ups and healthy habits are important for permanent results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can uterine prolapse be diagnosed?

Symptoms of uterine prolapse include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area, a feeling that something is coming out of the vagina, urinary incontinence, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. If these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor.

2. Does uterine prolapse go away on its own?

Uterine prolapse usually does not go away on its own. If the pelvic muscle weakens, the prolapse can progress. If not treated early, surgical intervention may be required.

3. Is it possible to prevent uterine prolapse?

Yes, it is possible to prevent uterine prolapse by doing regular Kegel exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding heavy lifting.

4. Does uterine prolapse affect sexual life?

Uterine prolapse can cause discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. However, sexual life improves after treatment.

5. How long does uterine prolapse treatment take?

The treatment period varies depending on the severity of the prolapse and the method applied. In methods such as surgical intervention or laser treatment, the procedure time may take a few hours, while the recovery process may take a few weeks.

6. Is uterine prolapse surgery difficult?

The surgery varies depending on the degree of uterine prolapse. Simple surgical procedures can be fast and effective, but more complex surgeries may be required in advanced cases. The recovery period after surgery may vary from person to person.