What is uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles, ligaments, and other tissues of your pelvic floor become too stretched, weakened, or damaged to support your uterus. This causes your uterus to drop down into or protrude out of your vagina.

Women of all ages can experience uterine prolapse, but this condition becomes more common as you grow older, especially after menopause.

What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?

Mild cases of uterine prolapse may not cause any signs or symptoms. If you do experience uterine prolapse symptoms, they may include:

• Heaviness or pressure in your pelvis
• Difficulty urinating
• Leaking urine (incontinence)
• Difficulty moving your bowels
• Feeling like you’re sitting on a small ball
• Pain or difficulty during sex

These symptoms are usually more mild in the morning and steadily worsen throughout the day. Women with uterine prolapse often have other types of pelvic organ prolapse, including cystocele or rectocele.

What causes uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and other supportive tissues that hold your uterus in place become weak. There are many possible causes of weakened pelvic muscles, including:

• Pregnancy, especially with difficulty or trauma during labor and delivery
• Multiple childbirths with vaginal delivery
• Delivering a large baby
• Being overweight or obese
• Repeated heavy lifting
• Persistent cough or bronchitis
• Chronic constipation

Prior pelvic surgery can also cause damage or weakness to the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your uterus.

How is uterine prolapse diagnosed and treated?

Your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology can diagnose uterine prolapse after carefully reviewing your symptoms and medical history, and performing a physical exam.

Then, she works with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment for uterine prolapse may include:

Nonsurgical treatments

If you have mild or no symptoms, treatment may involve self-care measures, like performing exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (Kegels). Your provider may also recommend a removable device called a pessary to support your uterus.

Surgery

The highly trained team at Bela Vida Urogynecology may recommend surgery if conservative measures don’t provide relief. They specialize in pelvic floor reconstruction procedures and utilize cutting-edge robotic technology to perform minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible.

For the best care in uterine prolapse treatment, call Bela Vida Urogynecology or book an appointment online today.