Have you ever felt a lump in your genital area or a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen? Many women dismiss these complaints as normal fatigue or aging. However, these conditions can be signs of a prolapsed uterus.
What is a Prolapsed Uterus?
Uterine prolapse, or prolapse, is a condition in which the uterus shifts from its normal position due to weakening of the muscles and supporting tissues in the pelvic floor. If left untreated, the uterus can descend into the vagina and, in certain circumstances, protrude.
This condition is more common in women who have had a vaginal birth or have entered menopause. However, many women only realize it when the symptoms begin to interfere with their daily activities.
Why Can the Uterus Prolapse?
The uterus is supported by pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that maintain its stable position. Over time, these structures can weaken due to repeated pressure or aging.
Some factors that can increase the risk include:
- Repeated normal delivery
- Difficult delivery or a baby with a large birth weight
- Increasing age and menopause
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
- Frequently lifting heavy loads
- Straining due to constipation
The more pressure is placed on the pelvic floor, the more likely it is that the supporting tissues will weaken.
Signs of a Prolapsed Uterus That Often Go Unnoticed
In the early stages, uterine prolapse may not cause any obvious symptoms. However, as time goes on, the following signs may appear:
- A feeling of heaviness or pulling in the pelvic area
- Sensation like something is pressing from inside
- Lumps felt in the vagina
- Discomfort when standing for long periods
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty holding urine
- Discomfort during intercourse
Symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day or after a lot of activity, and may be relieved by lying down.
Is a Prolapsed Uterus Dangerous?
In mild cases, uterine prolapse may not cause significant symptoms. However, in moderate to severe cases, prolapse can affect bladder and bowel function and may even occur in conjunction with the prolapse of other pelvic organs.
If left untreated, this condition can disrupt activities and reduce quality of life. Therefore, early screening is essential to determine the severity and appropriate treatment options.
How to Handle It?
Treatment for uterine prolapse depends on the degree of prolapse, age, health condition, and patient needs. In mild cases, non-operative therapies may be an option, such as:
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises (Kegel exercises)
- Use of vaginal support devices or pessaries
- Improve your diet to prevent constipation
- Maintain ideal body weight
However, in more severe cases or those that interfere with daily activities, pelvic floor reconstruction may be a solution. This procedure aims to restore the pelvic organs and repair weakened supporting structures.
Treatment for uterine prolapse is generally performed by obstetricians and gynecologists with a subspecialty in urogynecology and reconstruction, who have special competence in treating pelvic floor disorders in women.
Don't Ignore the Symptoms
A prolapsed uterus is not a normal phenomenon to ignore. If you feel a lump in your vagina, a feeling of heaviness in your pelvis, or difficulty urinating, seek immediate medical attention.
EMC Hospital provides pelvic floor disorder treatment services with the support of experienced doctors and adequate facilities to help you get the right therapy.
This article was written by Dr. Djoni Nurung, Sp.OG, Subsp. Urogin-RE (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Subspecialist in Reconstructive Urogynecology, EMC Cikarang Hospital).