Uterine prolapse is a problem that lowers women’s quality of life and is seen at high rates in women of every age. Uterine prolapse is seen more frequently especially in women who have had a large number of normal births. The problems that arise as a result of uterine prolapse are quite varied. The symptoms change according to the severity of the prolapse. Irregular periods, however, are not a direct consequence of uterine prolapse. Groin pain, the internal genital organs (the bladder, the uterus and/or the rectum) protruding out of the vagina, first on straining and later continuously, difficulty passing urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, back and leg pain, sexual dysfunction or constipation are among the most common symptoms of uterine prolapse. In some patients, in addition to the disorder in the supporting tissue of the pelvic floor, urinary incontinence resulting from weakness in the neck of the bladder can also be seen together with the prolapse.
It can have many different causes
At the root of uterine prolapse lies the weakening of the muscles in the pelvic region (the pelvis). Because the weakened muscles cannot hold the uterus as they should, the uterus descends downwards and in some patients it can over time come outside. Uterine prolapse is frequently accompanied by prolapse of the bladder and/or of the front wall of the rectum. Uterine prolapse can have many different causes. Having a large number of births, having a long and difficult normal birth, having an assisted birth, giving birth to a heavy baby, ageing, and gaining and losing excessive weight are some of the situations that cause prolapse of the cervix. Lifting heavy loads and making awkward movements that strain the pelvic region can also cause prolapse.
Its most serious symptom!
Just as the symptoms of uterine prolapse can vary from person to person, they can also differ depending on the form and severity of the prolapse. Its most serious symptom is urinary incontinence. Passing urine frequently, constantly catching urinary tract infections, leaking urine when coughing or sneezing, straining when passing urine or the feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely can be symptoms of uterine prolapse. Besides these, bowel problems can also arise because of uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse shows itself with problems such as trapped wind, constipation and back pain. Besides these two different types of symptom, problems such as lack of sexual desire, a feeling of pain during sexual intercourse and being unable to reach orgasm are also among the symptoms of uterine prolapse.
What are the treatment methods?
Today there are different treatment methods for uterine prolapse. In situations that are not advanced, the aim is for the person to strengthen their pelvic muscles with exercises and, with this strengthening, to prevent the prolapse.
Is the removal of the uterus essential in prolapse operations?
It is not essential. Many new methods are being used. Strengthening the pelvic region and preventing prolapse is also possible in selected cases with the radiofrequency method. The most definitive treatment, however, is surgery. Suspension operations of the uterus by laparoscopic or robotic surgery are very successful surgical methods that increase the quality of life. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove part or all of the uterus, and after the uterus has been removed the top of the vagina is suspended with suspension operations. Likewise, in prolapse of the bladder or the bowels towards the inside of the vagina, these areas are strengthened surgically and these complaints are resolved.