What Happens When the Uterus Prolapses?
In women, the uterus is held in place inside the pelvis by various muscles, ligaments, and tissues. But when the reproductive organ prolapses, a condition known as prolapsed uterus, the uterus drops into the vaginal canal – truly, a medical condition requiring urgent care, if not emergency medical care.
Overview of Prolapse
Muscle weakness caused by mature age, by childbirth, and by underlying medical conditions are usually the culprit behind the health issue. Keep in mind that only a qualified doctor can provide for a definitive diagnosis of prolapsed uterus so be sure to come in for a medical consultation before adopting any home treatment.
Your prolapsed uterus will be categorized according to the following stages:
- First degree wherein the the cervix significantly droops into the vagina.
- Second degree wherein the cervix drops just inside the vagina’s opening.
- Third degree wherein the cervix is outside the vagina.
- Fourth degree wherein the entire uterus is outside the vagina.
Your doctor will be able to determine which of these stages your case falls into and, in turn, decide on the best treatment.
Risks of Prolapse
Women face numerous risks when it comes to prolapsed uterus. You have higher risks for the medical condition when you have had:
- Multiple pregnancies and/or childbirths with either normal or complicated vaginal delivery
- Muscles weakness in the pelvic muscles observed with advancing age
- Menopause since it impacts on muscle weakness and tissue tone loss as well as natural estrogen loss
- Health issues that increased pressure in the abdomen like chronic cough, fluid accumulation, and bowel straining
- Obesity issues (The added pounds puts on extra strain on the pelvic muscles)
- Major pelvic surgery resulting loss of external support for the muscles
Did you know that being a Caucasian female also means higher risks for a prolapsed uterus?
Symptoms of Prolapse
Of course, knowledge of the symptoms is the more important aspect of getting urgent medical care. Call your doctor if and when you have the following symptoms:
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in your pelvis akin to sitting on a small ball
- Continuing low back pain
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Difficulty in passing urine and/or waste
- Difficulty in walking
- Persistent discomfort caused by urinary dribbling
- Persistent urge to pass bowel
- Sensation of something falling out of your vagina
While the abovementioned symptoms are also common signs in other medical conditions, your doctor will rule them out via modern testing methods. But don’t wait for your doctor – instead, make a rush for the emergency room when you have complete uterine prolapse (i.e., your uterus has come out of your vagina).
In the doctor’s clinic or the emergency room, you will undergo several exams and tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. These include a physical examination and imaging technology like renal sonography and ultrasound.
Can a prolapsed uterus be treated? Of course! Your treatment plan will depend on the physical condition of the supporting structures in your pelvic area, said treatment plan of which can include self-care at home, medications, and surgery.
If you have any question or would like more information about Healthpointe please call 888-719-8448.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, La Mirada, Cerritos, Buena Park and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net