Uterine prolapse

Dr. Suvansh Raj NirulaMBBS

December 09, 2020

December 09, 2020

Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse

The female pelvic region contains the uterus (womb), the urinary bladder and the rectum. There are numerous muscles and ligaments present at the floor of the pelvis that provide some support and hold these organs in position. 

A prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are weak and ineffective. As a result, one or more of the above-mentioned organs present inside the pelvis prolapses or drops down into a space called the vagina.

A prolapse can be classified based on how far the organ has dropped into the vagina. In certain situations, the prolapse can be to such an extent that the walls of the vagina or the uterus protrude outside the opening of the vagina.

Read on to know about uterine prolapse, including uterine prolapse during pregnancy and uterus prolapse due to old age.

Types of genitourinary prolapse

A prolapse in women may be classified as:

  • Prolapse affecting the anterior (front) part of the pelvic region: Can include prolapse of the urethra (the tube through which urine is removed from the body) known as a urethrocele. The urinary bladder might also prolapse—this is known as a cystocele. When both the structures prolapse, it is called a cystourethrocele.
  • Prolapse that affects the middle part and the posterior (rear) part of the pelvis: Sometimes, the uterus can prolapse into the vagina. This is called uterine prolapse. It is the second most common type of genitourinary prolapse (after cystourethrocele prolapse). Another kind of prolapse that may be observed in combination with this is a rectal or back passage prolapse into the vagina that is termed as a rectocele.
  • In certain situations, the space between the uterus and the rectum may prolapse into the vagina. This space is called the pouch of Douglas. This type of prolapse is called an enterocele and usually consists of bowel loops.
myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Urjas Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for sex problems with good results.
Long Time Capsule
₹714  ₹799  10% OFF
BUY NOW

Uterine prolapse symptoms

Sometimes, uterine prolapse is asymptomatic. Your doctor might observe it while examining you for any other reason like a cervical smear test/pap smear test. Where symptoms of uterine prolapse occur, they may include:

  • Most females with a uterine prolapse might experience a dragging or coming down sensation.
  • Some patients might get the feeling that there is a lump in their vagina. This protrusion or lump may actually be felt. 
  • Pain: Patients could experience abdomen (tummy) pain, back pain or pain in the vagina
  • Discharge: A uterine prolapse may be associated with vaginal discharge. This discharge may contain blood or may be foul-smelling.
  • Pain during sex or uncomfortable intercourse
  • It is important to remember that the symptoms of uterine prolapse increase on standing for long durations and improve on resting or lying down.  
  • If a uterine prolapse occurs in combination with a urethra or bladder prolapse, the patient may experience excessive urination (daytime and nighttime), urinary leakage with certain activities like coughing, sneezing or lifting something heavy, excessive urge to pass urine, poor urinary flow and having a feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bladder. Sometimes, the patient might have to change her position or push the prolapse back with her finger to pass urine. Certain complications might also occur in these patients that may include urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence (loss of control of urination) or urinary retention (not able to pass any urine).
  • If a uterine prolapse occurs in combination with rectal prolapse, then the patient might experience difficulty in passing stools, straining during bowel movements, experiencing a sudden urge to defecate, stool incontinence (loss of control over bowel movements), the excessive passage of flatus or wind and a feeling of incomplete evacuation of faeces (tenesmus). Sometimes, the patient might have to push the prolapse back up to allow stools to pass during defecation. 
  • Sexual issues: In some females, there might not be any sexual difficulties whereas in others there may be some problems. Patients might find having sex difficult or uncomfortable. The uterine prolapse might also interfere with arousal. Some females might also experience pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). 
  • In some patients, if the prolapse extends outside the vagina, it can lead to the formation of ulcers in the cervix (neck of the womb) or the skin. This can result in infections, pain and bleeding.

Uterine prolapse causes

There are numerous factors that may result in uterine prolapse. These may include the following:

  • Childbirth: Uterine prolapse will not be seen in every woman who gives birth. Instrumental delivery (forceps delivery), giving birth to a large baby (macrosomic baby) or a complicated and prolonged labour can increase the risk of a female having a uterine prolapse during childbirth. Uterine prolapse is more commonly observed in females who give vaginal birth as compared to those who undergo a C-section.
  • Advancing age: As females become older, their chances of developing a uterine prolapse increase drastically. After menopause, there is a deficiency of the estrogen hormone in the body. This lack of estrogen results in weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and supportive structures around the vagina. One consequence of these weakened support structures can be a uterine prolapse. (Read more: Kegel exercise benefits and how to do them)
  • Increased intraabdominal pressure (pressure inside the stomach): Any factor that causes an increase in the intraabdominal pressure can result in a prolapse. This increase in pressure can occur due to excessive strain on the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. The most common cause of increased intraabdominal pressure in females is pregnancy and giving birth. Other causes of high intraabdominal pressure may include being overweight, chronic (persistent) lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (associated with a chronic cough), straining during bowel movements due to constipation and females whose jobs require lifting any sort of heavy weights. 
  • Surgery: Females who undergo any kind of gynaecological surgery are more likely to develop a prolapse. This is due to the weakened pelvic floor structures that support the uterus and other organs. With the development of laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, this has become relatively rare nowadays.
  • Congenital diseases: A congenital issue (a problem that somebody is born with) that results in a deficiency of collagen can make one more prone to uterine prolapse. Collagen is a substance that is necessary for the development of ligaments that are an integral part of the supporting structure in the pelvic area. 
  • Family history: Females whose mothers or sisters have a history of uterine prolapse are more likely to develop one themselves.

Uterine prolapse prevention

There are a few preventive steps that all women should take, irrespective of their age and family history of prolapse. These include:  

  • Pelvic floor exercises should be performed regularly by females who are planning to get pregnant or have recently given birth. 
  • Weight loss, if you are overweight
  • Eat a high fibre diet and drink adequate fluids to prevent constipation
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid work that requires you to lift heavy weights. If you need to lift weights, pay attention to the proper form and technique for doing so and be vigilant—see a doctor if you experience discomfort in the pelvic region or if you see any of the above-mentioned symptoms of uterine prolapse.
myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Kesh Art Hair Oil by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to more than 1 lakh people for multiple hair problems (hair fall, gray hair, and dandruff) with good results.
Bhringraj Hair Oil
₹549  ₹850  35% OFF
BUY NOW

Uterine prolapse diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose a uterine prolapse clinically. A thorough vaginal examination should be performed. The doctor will need you to lie down on your left side and bend your knees towards the chest. The second part of the examination will be performed while standing. During the examination, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina. This speculum is used to move to the front and back walls of the vagina and observe the prolapse. You may be asked to cough or strain during this examination. This examination is not painful, but some women may feel slight discomfort.

Usually, a proper clinical examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis. In the case of urinary issues, though, a urine sample may be collected and sent for:

Your doctor may even ask for certain blood tests like a kidney function test. Some patients may also be referred to specialists for urodynamic studies to test bladder functions and urinary flow. 

Radiological investigations such as an ultrasound may also be performed.

Uterine prolapse treatment

The ultimate aim of treatment of uterine prolapse is to make sure that the patient lives comfortably, is pain-free, is able to urinate and defecate properly without any issues, does not have any sexual issues and does not experience any complications like ulcerations or urinary tract infections. The following treatment strategies may be used: 

  • Watchful waiting: If you are asymptomatic, you may wish to wait and see if any symptoms start. Usually, the minimal symptoms that may be present do not worsen with time or may even improve. In case you develop new symptoms, visit your doctor. 
  • Lifestyle changes: If you are overweight, aim for a reduction in weight. Patients should ask for proper treatment in case they are constipated as it can result in an increase in intraabdominal pressure. Patients should also stop smoking, as excessive coughing can worsen or aggravate the prolapse.  If you have a uterine prolapse, avoid lifting heavy weights.
  • Pelvic floor exercises: All patients with a uterine prolapse should perform pelvic floor exercises. These exercises prevent the worsening of a prolapse and help in the reduction of abdominal discomfort and back pain. Your doctor might ask you to visit a physiotherapist to learn these exercises. 
  • Vaginal pessary: It is preferred by women suffering from uterine prolapse who do not want surgery, who wish to maintain their fertility and those who have comorbidities that make them unfit for surgeries. Pessaries are usually ring-shaped and are made of plastic or silicone. This ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place. It aids by lifting the walls of the vagina along with the uterus that has prolapsed. The rings should be changed annually. Patients can be reassured that these pessaries do not interfere with sexual intercourse and can be left in place while having sex. 
  • Vaginal estrogen creams: In case of a mild prolapse, your doctor might ask you to apply an estrogen cream for six weeks to reduce the discomfort that you might be experiencing due to vaginal dryness. Vaginal estrogen creams are a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  1. Surgery for uterine prolapse

Surgery for uterine prolapse

The goal of the surgery is to provide a definitive cure for uterine prolapse. Various operations can be performed, depending on the type and degree of prolapse. Laparoscopic or keyhole surgeries may be done in some cases. You should ask your doctor for the best possible option in your case. The various surgical procedures that can be performed may include the following: 

  • Vaginal repair operation: In this operation, your vaginal walls are reinforced, strengthened and tightened. This is achieved by making a tuck in your vaginal wall and applying sutures to hold it in place. The operation can be done via the vagina and does not require any incisions in the abdominal area. Sometimes, a mesh or a unique tape may be stitched onto the vaginal walls. There may be some complications, including mesh erosion through the vaginal wall. This would require further surgery and may involve sexual difficulties and pain.  
  • Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus: This is a very commonly performed surgery in patients with uterine prolapse. Indeed, uterine prolapse is the most common reason why women over 50 undergo a hysterectomy. It may also be performed in combination with a vaginal repair operation.
  • Procedure to lift your uterus or vagina up: Numerous surgeries can be performed to lift the uterus and vagina up. These may include the following: 
    • Sacrohysteropexy: A unique mesh is usually used that performs the function of a sling to support and hold the uterus in place. One side of the mesh is attached to the cervix (neck of the womb) and the other is attached to the sacrum; that is, the bone at the back of the pelvis. This surgery requires an incision in the abdomen.
    • Sacrocolpopexy: During this procedure, the vagina is lifted up and held in place by fixing it to the sacrum or the bone at the back of the sacrum. It requires a mesh to hold the vagina in place. This may be performed in combination with a hysterectomy. This surgery requires an incision in the abdomen.
    • Sacrospinous fixation: During this procedure, the vagina is lifted up and attached to the sacrospinous ligament (a ligament in the pelvis). This procedure is performed through the vagina and does not require an incision in the abdomen. This procedure may also be done after a hysterectomy. 
    • Colpocleisis: This procedure involves the sealing of the vagina. This is a rare operation as it makes sex impossible. It is usually performed in old frail females. The patients should be informed about these consequences before the operation. 

Patients are advised to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Complete recovery is typically achieved in two to three months. Patients should not have sexual intercourse and should avoid lifting heavy weights during this period of time as the prolapse may recur.

Uterine prolapse outcome or prognosis

If uterine prolapse is left untreated, it can become worse with time. Sometimes, it may improve with no treatment. Females who are young, have a normal weight and no comorbidities usually have a good disease outcome. Studies suggest that 29 out of 100 females require a second surgery at some point in their lives.

myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Urjas Energy & Power Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for problems like physical and sexual weakness and fatigue, with good results.
Power Capsule For Men
₹719  ₹799  10% OFF
BUY NOW


Medicines for Uterine prolapse

Medicines listed below are available for Uterine prolapse. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.