Prolapse means literally to ‘fall forward’ and can be applied to any organ which has been displaced from its normal position through weakness in supporting tissues. Uterine prolapse is a distressing condition affecting many women, characterized by the descent of the uterus into or beyond the vaginal canal. The condition can cause discomfort, pain and affect a woman’s quality of life. Here in this article, we will discuss about the uterine prolapse treatment non surgical methods with its effectiveness and benefits.
What is Uterine Prolapse:
The fibrous and muscular sling which lies across the bones forming the pelvic girdle is called the pelvic floor. This has to support the weight of all the contents of the abdominal cavity such as the gut and bladder; and in woman the womb as well. Occasionally, if the support system becomes weakened, the womb may slide down into the vagina. This is called a uterine prolapse.
The vaginal wall is surrounded by many important structures which can also lose their support and bulge into the vagina. When the bowel bulges into the vagina, it is called an enterocele or rectocele depending on which part of the bowel is involved. When the bladder prolapses into the vagina the condition is called a cystocele and when the urethra loses its supports it is described as a urethrocele. All these conditions are forms of prolapse, more than one of which usually exist in the same woman.
Causes of Uterine Prolapse:
Anything which exerts too much weight or pressure on the pelvic floor, or weakens it, will make a woman more likely to develop a prolapse – for example, coughing, heavy lifting or regular straining to open the bowels. Frequent pregnancies, especially if the babies are large or the labor prolonged, will weaken the mother’s pelvic floor. It is also weaker if the woman is overweight.
The supporting tissues seem to need a hormone called oestrogen to retain their strength. This is mainly released from a woman’s ovaries. After the menopause the ovaries no longer secrete large amounts of oestrogen, the pelvic floor becomes weaker and as a result the woman is in greater danger of developing a prolapse at this time.
Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse:
The symptoms which a prolapse produces depend on its severity and whether or not the bladder or bowel are involved. Many women have no symptoms; some simply experience a downward pressure in the vagina. Others feel a lump in the vagina or something ‘coming down’ and in a few cases the entire womb protrudes from the vagina. Obviously this makes walking and sitting very uncomfortable but, fortunately, it is very uncommon.
If the bowel is involved in the prolapse, the woman may find it difficult to pass a motion without pushing the womb back into the vagina.
If the bladder is part of the prolapse the woman may find she is unable to pass urine without replacing the womb in the vagina.
However, a much more common problem is that the woman leaks urine if she runs, laughs or coughs. This is called stress incontinence.
A prolapse does not cause vaginal bleeding nor does it cause pain, but occasionally women may notice a dull backache at the end of the day which is relieved by lying down.
Fortunately, prolapses in women are becoming less common, partly because women have better nutrition and tend to have smaller families, but largely due to better prenatal preparation.
Uterine Prolapse Treatment Non Surgical:
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels):
It is important to try to prevent prolapse uterine occurring. The muscles of the pelvic floor can be strengthened by exercises: women both at prenatal classes and in the post-natal ward are taught these exercises. It is not always easy for a mother of a young baby to find the time to perform the exercises but it is important for her future that she should try to spare a few minutes each day.
Kegel exercises are an effective uterine treatment non surgical method used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles, aiding in the support and lifting of the uterus. Regular practice of the Kegel exercise provides best result in uterine treatment non surgical method. If a woman’s prolapse is very small, it can sometimes be corrected if she loses weight and is prescribed a course of Pelvic Floor Exercises by physiotherapist.
Pessaries:
Elderly or unfit women who wish to avoid an operation for more severe forms of prolapse can be treated by placing a palstic or rubber ring (a ring pessary) in the vagina which will hold the uterus in place. A pessary is a removable device placed into the vagina to support the prolapsed uterus. It is available in various shapes and sizes. It offers structural support and prevent the uterus from descending further.
But most of the elderly women with ring pessaries dislike having them changed as they find the experience uncomfortable and embarrassing. Unfortunately, these pessaries can cause an unpleasant vaginal discharge or ulcers in the vagina which bleed. For hygienic purposes it is necessary to have a clean one fitted. One bonus is that the doctor may find that whether the pessary is needed or not.
Estrogen Therapy:
Estrogen therapy after the menopause may also help some women to avoid a prolapse. Estrogen, available in various forms like creams, tables can help strengthen the vaginal tissues. This estrogen therapy can improve the symptoms of uterine prolapse by enhancing vaginal tissues elasticity and support.
Benefits of Uterine Prolapse Treatment Non Surgical:
Avoiding Surgery:
Women can control uterine prolapse using uterine prolapse treatment non surgical method which provide a conservative approach, without the dangers and recovery time associated with surgery.
Maintaining Fertility:
Uterine prolapse treatment non surgical techniques offer a means of treating uterine prolapse without compromising a woman’s ability to become pregnant or bring a child to term if she want to maintain her fertility.
Conclusion:
Uterine prolapse treatment non surgical processes offer a variable and effective approach for managing the symptoms of uterine prolapse. By incorporating the pelvic floor exercises, adopting pessary, going through estrogen therapy or maintaining a healthy life style, women can significantly avoid the surgical treatment of uterine prolapse. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable non surgical approach.
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