Uterine prolapse, with its signs that affect a person’s quality of life very badly, emerges as a condition that must certainly be treated correctly. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, gave detailed explanations about the relationship between uterine prolapse and constipation.
The uterus is an organ with a very low capacity for movement, around which there are ligaments so that it stays in place. Birth, advancing age or damage due to trauma cause the ligaments that hold the uterus in place to weaken. As a result, the uterus can slip downwards through the vagina.
IT CAN ALSO BE A SIGN OF UTERINE PROLAPSE
Because uterine prolapse has findings that lower a person’s quality of life, it must certainly be observed carefully and treated within a short time. Constipation is also a very important problem in this condition. When the problem of constipation, which appears both as a sign and as a cause, continues over the long term, it is advised to consult a doctor.
A long-lasting serious constipation problem can cause uterine prolapse to develop, but it can also be a sign of uterine prolapse. Apart from constipation, the most important sign of uterine prolapse is a feeling of pressure in the groin area and pressure towards the inside of the vagina. In the later period, a bulge towards the inside of the vagina, or even a structure coming out of the vagina and being felt by hand, can occur here.
Extreme prolapse (the uterus coming completely out of the vagina and no longer going back inside) is a very advanced sign and must certainly be treated as soon as it is noticed. Signs such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, gas incontinence, faecal incontinence and loss of sexual desire may point to uterine prolapse!
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF UTERINE PROLAPSE?
Having many births, giving birth to a large baby, a severe chronic cough, long-lasting serious constipation, working by lifting heavy loads, obesity and genetic causes are the best-known causes of uterine prolapse.
One or several of these causes can lead to uterine prolapse. Being under medical supervision is quite important for this condition, which is treatable and which, at the initial level, does not even require direct surgery.
THE MOST DEFINITIVE TREATMENT IS THE SURGICAL METHOD
If uterine prolapse is at the initial level, the progression of the problem can be prevented with certain exercises without the need for surgery, and the prolapse can even be made to disappear.
The most definitive treatment, however, is surgery. Suspension operations of the uterus with laparoscopic or robotic surgery achieve very successful results and increase quality of life after the operation.
TREATING UTERINE PROLAPSE WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY OFFERS IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES
With robotic surgery, performing the operation on very deep tissues under a three-dimensional image and with instruments that can move through 540 degrees offers an important advantage. Sometimes the uterus may also have to be removed, and after the uterus is removed the top of the vagina is suspended with suspension operations.
Likewise, in prolapse of the bladder or the bowel towards the inside of the vagina, these areas are strengthened surgically and the complaints in question are relieved.
IS THE UTERUS TO BLAME?
The answer is very simple: no! One of the most frequent questions our patients ask us is whether the uterus definitely has to be removed. Again our answer is the same. What matters is repairing the torn ligaments. If there is an additional condition relating to the uterus, in that case the uterus can be removed. Otherwise there is no need to remove the uterus.
I wish you healthy and happy days.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology