Difficult births, ageing and genetic predisposition can over time cause uterine prolapse in women. However, uterine prolapse can appear not only at an advanced age but also at a young age. Uterine prolapse deeply affects the comfort of life. Uterine prolapse that is not treated in time can lead to bleeding and also makes the genital area more defenceless against infections. Along with the uterus, the bladder and the last part of the large bowel also prolapse. Under normal conditions these organs do not move very much, but with the onset of prolapse they have greater effects than normal. For this reason patients need to consult a doctor within a short time before the effects become serious. It is recommended especially that women in the menopause go for check-ups regularly.
What Are the Symptoms of Prolapse?
Mild degrees of prolapse generally do not show any symptom. However, as the severity of the prolapse increases, an increase occurs in the number of symptoms as well. In moderate prolapse, pain generally occurs in the back and lower abdominal area. These symptoms increase further with long periods of standing. In addition, severe pain during sexual intercourse also increases as a symptom of uterine prolapse. In advanced degrees of prolapse, on the other hand, the uterus reaches a level at which it can be seen from the outside with the eye. A feeling arises that there is a large mass in the vagina.
Is Urinary Incontinence Seen Along With Prolapse?
In the advanced stages of prolapse, urinary incontinence can be seen when coughing, sneezing, laughing or climbing stairs. In addition, difficulty or an inability to pass urine or to have a bowel movement can also be seen.
What Are the Treatment Methods?
The treatment of uterine prolapse varies according to the degree of the condition, the patient’s situation and their general health. First of all it is recommended that the woman do the Kegel exercises, which serve to strengthen the vagina and the muscles in this area (the muscle group that lines the floor of the pelvis and holds the organs inside it in place is called the pelvic floor muscles, and the exercises aimed at strengthening these muscles are called pelvic floor exercises). But if the degree of the prolapse is very great, it is not very possible to treat it or even to help with these exercises. For these patients a surgical operation is recommended. In these operations the prolapsing tissues are gathered up and the former healthy anatomical structure is restored.
What Are the Surgical Treatment Options?
Today there are 2 basic approaches in the surgical treatment to be performed for prolapse. The first is vaginal (from below), the other the methods performed through the abdomen. The methods performed through the abdomen are carried out successfully laparoscopically or robotically. In this operation, the ligaments that hold the uterus in place are reached vaginally or through the abdomen and it is suspended upwards.
Must the Uterus Definitely Be Removed in Prolapse Operations?
Here there are 2 basic approaches: one in which the uterus is preserved and one in which it is removed. Today the prolapse can easily be corrected while preserving the uterus. In situations such as an additional illness or advanced age, the pluses and minuses can be discussed with the patient and the prolapse can be corrected by removing the uterus.
What Is the Success of Robotic Surgery in the Treatment of Uterine Prolapse?
Today it is applied successfully in the treatment of uterine prolapse. That the operation is performed through small incisions, little blood loss, little pain and a fast recovery time constitute its main advantages. Patients stay in hospital for less time. They are discharged in one or 2 days.
Can Prolapse Be Seen Again After Surgical Treatment?
However, after these operations prolapse can be seen again. At the head of the important factors affecting this are that good surgery is performed, the healing power of the patient’s tissues, and whether or not the patient follows the recommendations strictly after the operation. After such operations, the fully desired healing in the connective tissue takes place within approximately 3 months. In this 3-month period, situations such as the patient not lifting heavy loads and not becoming constipated affect the healing very significantly.