What is uterine prolapse? What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?

The uterus, defined as uterus in medicine s, is 5 to 6 cm in women who have not given birth. in women giving birth, 6 to 7 cm. is a reproductive organ in size. The uterus, which is located in the inner part of the pelvis, behind the urinary bladder, in front of the intestines and opens into the vagina, is one of the organs with limited mobility in the body. Due to different reasons such as advanced age or over-birth number, the uterus cannot get enough support and glides down due to weakening of the pelvic muscles and ligaments called ligaments. In this case, called uterine prolapse, the uterus slides down due to the inability of the muscles and connective tissues to support the uterus sufficiently. In advanced cases, the uterus can go out of the vagina. Although mild sagging does not require treatment, severe uterine sagging should be treated as it decreases the quality of life of the person. Signs of uterine prolapse include feelings of heaviness or withdrawal in the pelvis area, incontinence, pain in the lower part of the waist, and tissue from the vagina. Appropriate treatment is arranged after the examinations and examinations. "What is uterine sagging?" It is necessary to answer the question.

What is uterine prolapse?
The uterus, one of the female reproductive organs, is not fixed where it is, since it is an organ with limited mobility. On the contrary, it is suspended in this region thanks to its pelvic muscles and connective tissues. Uterus prolapse or, in other words, uterine prolapse, is when the uterus hangs down from where it should be. Pelvic muscles and connective tissues relax due to normal birth , multiple pregnancy, insufficient estrogen hormone and old age. Due to this relaxation, with the effect of gravity, the uterus; it hangs down, that is, into the vagina. This sagging may also be advanced enough to be visible from the outside of the vagina. Although uterine prolapse does not require treatment in each case, it can be treated if the person prevents daily activities.
What are the signs of uterine prolapse?
The uterus, the organ in which the embryo continues to develop, can hang down from the position it should be for different reasons. Depending on the severity of the prolapse of the uterus, complaints can be in the form of mild pain, or they can be of a size that will affect the quality of life of the person. The small amount of the uterus sagging usually does not cause any symptoms. However, some patients complain of a low back pain that begins mildly in the morning and increases as the hour progresses. In some cases, complaints such as feeling of heaviness or pulling downwards may be seen in the lower abdomen. Symptoms of uterine prolapse can be listed as follows:
Inability to urinate
Urinary incontinence
Problems in bowel movements
Pain in the lower back
Vaginal bleeding
Increased amount of vaginal discharge
Pain during sexual intercourse
Feeling like something will come out of the vagina
Tissue coming out of the vagina
What causes uterus sagging?
The weakening of the pelvic muscles and ligaments called ligaments that hold the uterus in its region causes sagging of the uterus. The reasons for the weakening of the muscle and connective tissues and therefore the womb hanging down are as follows:
Old age
Decrease in the amount of estrogen after menopause
Having given birth many times
Multiple pregnancy
Having a large baby
Normal birth
Congenital traumas
Previous pelvis operations
Having a genetically weak connective tissue
Overweight or obesity
Chronic cough
Heavy lifting
Chronic constipation
Some of the causes of uterine prolapse may also be considered as risk factors. For example, causes such as chronic constipation, cough or heavy lifting are also risk factors for uterine prolapse. Treating some neglected ailments or changing lifestyle may help prevent uterine prolapse.
Can uterine prolapse be prevented?
Although uterine prolapse is not a preventable condition, reducing the risk factors reduces the possibility of uterine prolapse. Especially, people who have a family history of uterine prolapse, getting rid of excess weight, exercising to strengthen the lower abdominal muscles, controlling long-lasting constipation, quitting smoking and treating the disease that causes cough, can prevent uterine prolapse.
What happens if uterine prolapse is not treated?
Mild uterine prolapse does not require treatment. However, drooping the uterus out of the vagina can cause some health problems. In such cases, the uterus is in contact with the underwear and this may lead to ulcer formation. If the uterus is sagging, it may mean that other pelvic organs may be sagging. In the presence of cystocele, known as sagging of the bladder, swelling occurs on the anterior wall of the vagina. It is difficult to urinate and urinary tract infection frequently recurs. The weakening of the connective tissue on the rectum leads to disrupted bowel movements and changes in the defecation habit. Therefore, it is extremely important to evaluate the treatment option with the physician in the presence of uterine prolapse.
How is the diagnosis of uterine prolapse?
The diagnosis of uterine prolapse can be made during routine checks. In some cases, only findings are sufficient for diagnosis. However, the person who often complains of uterine prolapse is aware of this situation. The presence of one or more signs of uterine prolapse causes the physician to consider the discomfort of the uterine prolapse. The physician first listens to the patient's history and then performs a pelvic exam. The physician asks the patient to strain to see how far the uterus has dropped into the vagina during the examination. In order to observe the condition of the pelvic muscles, he wants his muscles to contract as if he is holding his urine. In addition, the physician may conduct a small questionnaire to see how much the complaints due to prolapse of the uterus decrease the person's quality of life. As a result of evaluations, a diagnosis of uterine prolapse is made. The method of treatment is determined based on the current severity of the sagging of the uterus.
How is uterine prolapse treated?
Slight uterine sagging usually does not require treatment. However, as sagging may progress, it may require physician monitoring. In such cases, the physician may recommend exercises such as Kegel exercise to strengthen the pelvic muscles. In addition, he can make suggestions such as not lifting heavy, avoiding chronic cough and constipation. However, different treatment options are applied in severe uterine prolapse. Another factor that determines the type of treatment of sagging of the uterus depends on whether the person will become pregnant or not. If the person wants to have a child, the vaginal ring or, in other words, the vaginal pesser can be used. After determining the appropriate pessary size according to the size of the uterus, the physician informs the person in detail about how to use the ring. The vaginal ring, which is also used safely during sexual intercourse, supports the uterus and prevents it from hanging down. Another treatment method is the surgical operation known as uterine prolapse surgery. At this point, depending on the severity of the disease, two different options can be presented to the person. For the repair of pelvic tissues, synthetic tissue or tissues weakened with tissue taken from a different part of the person are replaced. Another surgical option is hysterectomy performed in severe uterine prolapse. Hysterectomy, which can be performed with open or laparoscopic surgery, is the complete removal of the uterus. The decisive factor in all these treatment options is the patient's complaints, the severity of the sagging of the uterus and whether the person is considering pregnancy. In the light of all this information, the doctor decides with the patient which treatment approach is appropriate for him.
About 50% of women who have given birth over 30 years of age experience some sagging of the uterus. However, only 20% of these cases are at a level to cause complaints. If you have a complaint about uterine prolapse, you can contact the nearest health institution and examine the appropriate treatment option if necessary. We wish you healthy days.

Read the full article