Vagina Prolapse: Everything you should know

Have you ever experienced a shape or placement change in your vagina? Vaginal prolapse is a condition that might be the cause.

Small amounts of vaginal prolapse may not cause any symptoms, while larger amounts may cause a noticeable tissue bulge through the vaginal opening and necessitate surgical repair in severe cases.

The prolapse of the vagina is fairly typical. Over one-third of women will experience a pelvic area prolapse at some point in their lives.

Reading this blog, you can learn more about the causes, types, symptoms, risk factors, and available preventive measures.

Prolapsed Uterus Causes

Uterine prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor’s muscles and tissues become too frail to support the weight of the uterus due to conditions like vaginal childbirth or other factors. It might take place as a result of the following:

• Pregnancy/births involving straightforward or challenging vaginal delivery
• As people age, their pelvic muscles become weaker
• After menopause and the loss of natural estrogen, there is a weakening and loss of tissue tone.
• Obesity or being overweight, which places additional strain on the pelvic muscles
• Major pelvic surgery resulting in loss of external support
• Smoking

What are the signs and symptoms of Uterine Prolapse?

There may be no symptoms when the uterine prolapse is mild. The uterus only becomes a problem when it continues to move out of its normal position and starts to encroach upon other pelvic organs. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• The feeling of heaviness around the pelvis
• Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain
• Recurring bladder infections
• Unusual and excessive vaginal discharge
• Intestinal discomfort and constipation
• Urinary leakage (loss of bladder control) and sudden urogenital urges
• Visible tissue sticking out of the vagina, etc. The sensation of sitting on something, such as a ball.

What are the stages of Uterine Prolapse

Prolapse progresses through four stages. The severity of the prolapse, should the uterus have fallen out of place, is used to grade the condition.

• First grade: The location of the uterus on the upper vagina.
• Second grade: The location of the uterus on the introitus. The introitus is the vagina’s opening into the vaginal canal.
• Third grade: The cervix, the base of the uterus, comes outside the introitus.
• Fourth grade: The uterus, including the cervix, emerges from the vagina.

What are the factors that can put me at risk of getting vaginal prolapse?

Some of the common factors that can put you at a higher risk of attaining vaginal prolapse are:

• Multiple pregnancies and vaginal births
• Aging
• Extreme physical activity or lifting heavyweights
• Obesity
• Prior pelvic surgery
• Chronic constipation
• Family history of weakness in connective tissue
• Vaginal thrush

Prolapsed Uterus Diagnosis

With the aid of medical history and a pelvic physical, your doctor can identify uterine prolapse.

1. While lying down, the doctor may need to examine you while standing. They may ask you to cough or strain to raise the pressure in your abdomen.
2. Other pelvic issues may be ruled out using ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images on your abdomen or inside your vagina.
3. If you have multiple prolapsed organs or it would be helpful to plan surgery, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed.

How can a vaginal prolapse be avoided

Follow these suggestions to lower your risk of vaginal prolapse.

• Regular exercise (kegel exercise).
• Have a healthy diet and weight.
• Don’t smoke.
• On light weights, use proper lifting techniques and precautions.

What is the treatment for vaginal prolapse

Your treatment will depend on how severe or complicated your prolapse is. The above-mentioned precautions will, in most cases, aid in lowering the condition and curing it.

Both surgical and nonsurgical techniques are available as additional treatment options.

Conclusion

Vagina prolapse is very common among women, and it has been more important than ever to follow a healthy lifestyle and make the right choices for your body and health.

To better align with the tips and measures mentioned above, book an appointment with the best gynecologist, Dr. Deepti Asthana, and stay worry free!