How can uterine prolapse occur

If you have problems with your bladder, a GP may refer you to hospital for further tests. If you do not have any symptoms, or the prolapse is mild and not bothering you, you may not need medical treatment. If the prolapse is more severe or your symptoms are affecting your daily life, there are several further treatment options to consider. The recommended treatment will depend on the type and severity of the prolapse, your symptoms and your overall health.

You and your doctor will decide together what's the best option for you. Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the group of muscles and tissues that normally support the pelvic organs, called the pelvic floor, becomes weakened and cannot hold the organs in place firmly. A number of things can weaken your pelvic floor and increase your chance of developing pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse will usually be classified on a scale of 1 to 4 to show how severe it is, with 4 being a severe prolapse.

More severe cases may require medical treatment. Vaginal pessary : This is a vaginal device that supports the uterus and keeps it in position. It is important to follow the instructions on care, removal, and insertion of the pessary.

In cases of severe prolapse, a pessary can cause irritation, ulceration, and sexual problems. Discuss with your provider if this treatment is right for you. Surgery : Surgical repair of a prolapsed uterus can be performed through the vagina or abdomen.

It involves skin grafting, or using donor tissue or other material to provide uterine suspension. A hysterectomy may be recommended. If future pregnancies are intended, surgery may not be recommended, due to the risks of undoing the effects of surgical repair. Mild uterine prolapse can be treated with Kegel exercises, weight management and avoidance of heavy lifting. How to do a proper Kegel is vital to the success of the treatment. Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken and no longer provide enough support for the uterus.

As a result, the uterus slips down into or protrudes out of the vagina. Uterine prolapse can occur in women of any age. But it often affects postmenopausal women who've had one or more vaginal deliveries.

Mild uterine prolapse usually doesn't require treatment. But if uterine prolapse makes you uncomfortable or disrupts your normal life, you might benefit from treatment. Mild uterine prolapse generally doesn't cause signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe uterine prolapse include:. See your doctor to discuss your options if signs and symptoms of uterine prolapse become bothersome and disrupt your normal activities. Uterine prolapse results from the weakening of pelvic muscles and supportive tissues. Causes of weakened pelvic muscles and tissues include:. Severe uterine prolapse can displace part of the vaginal lining, causing it to protrude outside the body.

Vaginal tissue that rubs against clothing can lead to vaginal sores ulcers. Rarely, the sores can become infected. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Reproductive system - female. Home Reproductive system - female. Prolapsed uterus. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. Symptoms of prolapse of the uterus Degrees of uterine prolapse Causes of uterine prolapse Treatments for uterine prolapse Pelvic floor exercises Prevention techniques Where to get help. Symptoms of prolapse of the uterus The symptoms of uterine prolapse include: a sensation of heaviness and pressure in the vagina a distinct lump or bulge within the vagina a bulge protruding out of the vagina painful sexual intercourse.

Degrees of uterine prolapse Uterine prolapse is described in stages, indicating how far it has descended. The four categories of uterine prolapse are: Stage I — the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina Stage II — the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina Stage III — the uterus protrudes out of the vagina Stage IV — the uterus is completely out of the vagina.

Causes of uterine prolapse The pelvic floor and associated supporting connective tissues can be weakened or damaged in many ways including: pregnancy, especially in the case of multiple births such as twins or triplets , or multiple pregnancies vaginal childbirth, especially if the baby was large or delivered quickly, or if there was a prolonged pushing phase obesity straining on the toilet to pass a bowel motion low levels of the sex hormone oestrogen after menopause severe coughing associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma fibroids in rare cases, pelvic tumour.

Treatments for uterine prolapse Treatments for uterine prolapse include surgical and non-surgical options, the choice of which will depend on general health, the severity of the condition and plans for a future pregnancy.

Treatment options include: pelvic floor exercises vaginal pessary vaginal surgery. Pelvic floor exercises Stage I and II uterine prolapse in particular can be helped by pelvic floor muscle exercises, but they need to be done correctly and practised long enough to strengthen the muscles. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, try the following: Insert one or two fingers into the vagina and try to squeeze them. Imagine you are passing urine, and try to stop the flow midstream do not do this while urinating.

Squeeze the muscles inside the anus as if you are trying to stop yourself from breaking wind. Consult with your doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist to ensure correct performance. Then perform the exercises, which include: Squeeze slowly and lift and hold as strongly as you can for 5 to 10 seconds while breathing normally. Release slowly. Repeat up to 10 times.