If you are wondering if uterine prolapse is dangerous? It can be said that uterine prolapse in women are severe medical conditions that affect women when the uterus descends towards the vagina. Symptoms of uterine prolapse, its causes and treatment in Turkey, and ways to prevent it.
Uterine prolapse is a common condition that can occur as women age. Over time, with multiple vaginal births, during childbirth, the muscles and support ligaments around the uterus and vagina can weaken. When this supporting muscle structure begins to fail, the uterus can prolapse out of place through the vagina.
What is uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is when the structures that support and stabilize the uterus become weak over time. The uterus is one of the organs that form part of the female reproductive system. It is located in the pelvis and is roughly shaped like a pear. The uterus is a muscular structure that expands to accommodate the growing baby (fetus) and then shrinks again.
Prolapse can vary depending on how weak the uterine supports are. In incomplete prolapse, the uterus descends enough to be part of the vagina. Women feel a lump or bulge. In more severe cases, the uterus can slide enough to be felt outside the vagina. This is called complete prolapse. Is uterine prolapse dangerous?
What are the stages of uterine prolapse?
The stages of uterine prolapse range from first to fourth degree and depend on the extent of the uterus prolapse inside or outside the vagina. Here are the details:
- First degree:
- The uterus is at the beginning of its prolapse and descends slightly into the vagina but does not reach the vaginal opening.
- Second degree:
- The uterus descends to the level of the vaginal opening but does not protrude outside it.
- Third degree:
- Part of the uterus protrudes outside the vaginal opening.
- Fourth degree:
- The uterus protrudes completely from the vaginal opening and is often accompanied by prolapse of other organs in the pelvis.
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Who gets uterine prolapse?
It is more likely to occur in women who:
- Have had one or more vaginal deliveries.
- Are postmenopausal.
- Have a family member who has had uterine prolapse.
Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. When you haven’t had your period for 12 months in a row, you’re considered to be in menopause. Estrogen is one of the hormones that stop being produced during menopause. This hormone helps keep your pelvic muscles strong; without it, your uterus is more likely to prolapse.
How common is uterine prolapse?
It is a common condition that affects many women. Your risk of developing this condition increases with age and if you’ve had multiple vaginal deliveries.
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What causes uterine prolapse?
The uterus is placed in the pelvis by a group of muscles and ligaments. These are called the pelvic floor muscles. If the support of these structures is weak, they become unable to stabilize the uterus, and as a result, the uterus prolapses as it descends and hangs through the vagina. There are several causes of weak pelvic muscles, including:
- Loss of muscle strength due to aging.
- Trauma during natural childbirth, especially in the case of multiple vaginal births, especially large babies (more than 9 pounds).
- Obesity.
- Chronic coughing or straining.
- Chronic constipation.
What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?
If you have a mild case of simple vaginal prolapse, you may not have any obvious symptoms. However, when the uterus slips further out of place, it can press on other pelvic organs – such as the bladder or bowel – and cause symptoms such as:
- A woman feels pressure or heaviness in the pelvis and vagina.
- A woman feels pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or back pain.
- Pain during intercourse.
- And the prolapse of uterine tissue through the vaginal opening in advanced stages.
- Recurrent bladder infections.
- Unusual or excessive vaginal discharge.
- Constipation.
- Trouble urinating, including urinary incontinence, needing to urinate frequently (urinary frequency), or a sudden urge to urinate (urinary urgency).
Symptoms get worse when standing or walking for long periods of time. In these situations, gravity puts additional pressure on the muscular structures of the pelvis.
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Pictures of vaginal prolapse
How is uterine prolapse diagnosed in Turkey?
The procedures for diagnosing include several tests. The doctor will perform a pelvic examination to determine if the uterus has dropped from its normal position. During the pelvic examination, the doctor will insert a vaginal speculum (an instrument that allows the doctor to see inside the vagina) to examine the vagina and uterus. The doctor will then feel for any bulges resulting from the uterus dropping into the vagina.
How is uterine prolapse treated in Turkey?
To lift the uterus naturally, there are surgical and non-surgical options for treating this prolapse. Your doctor will choose your treatment path based on the severity and symptoms of the prolapse, your general health, your age, and whether or not you want to have children in the future. Treatment options for women with the condition may include:
Non-surgical options
- Exercise: Special exercises, called Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the muscle structures in the pelvic floor. This may be the only treatment needed in mild cases of uterine prolapse. To do Kegel exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you were trying to hold back urine. Tighten your pelvic floor for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat 10 times. You can do these exercises anywhere and anytime (up to four times daily).
- Vaginal pessary (vaginal donut): A pessary is a doughnut-shaped rubber or plastic device that is placed around or under the lower part of the uterus (cervix). This device helps support the uterus and hold it in place. Your doctor will fit and insert the pessary, which should be cleaned frequently and removed before sex.
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Surgical Options
- Hysterectomy and Prolapse Repair: This prolapse in women can be treated by removing the uterus. This can be done through an incision (cut) in the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or through the abdomen. Removing the uterus is a major surgery because once the uterus is removed, pregnancy is no longer possible.
- Repairing a prolapsed uterus without a hysterectomy: This procedure involves returning the uterus to its normal position. Uterine suspension can be done by reattaching the pelvic ligaments to the lower part of the uterus to hold it in place. Surgery can be performed through the vagina or through the abdomen, depending on the technique used.
What are the complications of uterine prolapse?
If prolapse is not treated, it can affect other organs in the body’s pelvic area. A uterus prolapsed through the vagina can put pressure on the bowel and bladder. It can also negatively affect your sex life, as it can cause pain.
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Treatment of uterine prolapse at home
You may not be able to prevent all cases of uterine prolapse, but there are ways to reduce your risk of prolapse. Some lifestyle tips that can reduce your risk of prolapse include:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly. In addition to exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Make sure you are doing exercises that are appropriate for each person’s health condition.
- Eat a healthy diet. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian (a special type of health care provider who helps you create a meal plan) about the best diet for you.
- Stop smoking. This reduces the risk of developing a chronic cough, which can put extra stress on your pelvic floor muscles.
- Use proper techniques for lifting heavy objects.
What are the proper techniques for lifting heavy objects to prevent uterine prolapse?
There are several ways to lift heavy objects that can help you avoid uterine prolapse. Lifting techniques include:
- Don’t try to lift objects that are too heavy for you to lift on your own. Also, avoid lifting objects that are heavy above your waist level.
- Before you lift something, make sure your feet are planted.
- To pick up something below your waist level, keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips. Don’t bend forward at the waist with your knees straight.
- Stand with a wide stance close to the object you’re trying to pick up, keeping your feet firmly on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your body up using your leg muscles. Then straighten your knees in a steady motion.
- Stand completely straight without twisting. Always move your feet forward when lifting something.
- If you are lifting something from a table, move it to the edge of the table so you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so you are close to the object. Then use your legs to lift the object and stand.
- Hold the object close to your body with your arms bent. Keep your abdominal muscles tight. Then take small steps and go slowly.
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Does uterine prolapse recur?
In most cases, treatment is effective. However, sometimes prolapse can come back. This is more common if you have severe uterine prolapse, are obese, or are young (under 60 years of age).
Treating uterine prolapse usually produces very positive results, and lifestyle changes (maintaining a good weight and exercising) can help prevent prolapse from recurring. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about uterine prolapse. Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan and build good lifestyle habits to prevent future uterine prolapse.
Does uterine prolapse happen to single women?
Uterine prolapse (or uterine prolapse) can happen to single women, although it is more common in women who have had children
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