- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Uterine Prolapse
Prolapse of the uterus is a condition that affects many women who have given birth. It is a condition that involves the muscles supporting the uterus to collapse and let the uterus descend into the vagina or sometimes outside the vagina in more extreme cases. There are a number of symptoms associated with this condition, and a number of ways to treat it depending upon the severity of the prolapse.
The severity of uterine prolapse is categorised in the phases. The first and most mild state of the condition is for the uterus to move down into the vagina. This condition is very manageable, and can be treated by a number of lifestyle changes. It is often not noticed as it may not show any symptoms, and if not treated it can become worse. The second stage of uterine prolapse is for the uterus to be visible outside the vagina. This is associated with many unpleasant symptoms, and may require surgery for treatment. The final stage of uterine prolapse is for the entire uterus to move outside the vagina. This is the most severe form of uterine prolapse, and almost always requires surgery or similarly extreme measures for treatment.
Uterine prolapse is caused by anything that exerts pressure on the muscles holding the uterus in place. Overweight people may experience the condition, as well as women who have gone through pregnancy. It can also affect women who have gone through menopause, as the change in hormonal levels has an affect upon the uterus. Any form of straining associated with constipation or lifting heavy weights for example can also contribute towards the condition. This straining can cause the uterus to be pushed out of place, and it can also increase the severity of an already existing case of uterine prolapse.
Women experiencing the first stage of uterine prolapse may experience an unpleasant sensation of heaviness in the vagina, as the uterus has begun to enter it. In the later stages, the uterus is visible so the problem can be diagnosed easily. Women may experience pain and discomfort in the affected areas, difficulty engaging in intercourse and urinating, and difficulty walking or sitting down.
Surgery to remove or simply move the uterus is often required to treat more severe conditions, but women experiencing mild uterine prolapse may only have to lose weight or change their lifestyles to help ease the symptoms of the condition and prevent it from becoming more serious.