Prolapsed uterus is a medical condition where the uterus protrudes past the vagina. It is a condition that can be treated by surgery or medical treatment. Many women experience prolapsed uteri, but it is usually when a woman has had more than one baby. It is most common after childbirth and due to pregnancy. It happens to 1 out of 3 women in their 40’s so it can be a very common condition. . It can go away on its own, but it can also require surgical intervention.
Types of Prolapsed Uterus
Prolapsed uterus is a condition in which the uterus shrinks and then stops growing. It causes a lot of pain and discomfort, but it is also very common. There are 2 types of prolapsed uterus:
1. Posterior Uterine Prolapse:
Posterior uterine prolapse is the first type of uterus that occurs. The uterus grows out of the pelvis and then it falls into the vagina, often on one side. It can happen because: a) There is no support for it to grow out properly; or b) The ligaments that support the uterus stretch out and there is no space for it to grow into. Posterior uterine prolapse can happen to any woman and in any age, but it is more common in women between the ages of 20-40. It is also more common in women who have had their first child and those who have lost a lot of weight.
2. Anterior Uterine Prolapse:
Anterior uterine prolapse happens next to the uterus and it occurs later in life as a result of either: a) The uterus not growing out properly (usually when women reach menopause); or b) Stress, aging, or too much exercise
Symptoms of Prolapsed Uterus
Common symptoms of the prolapsed uterus include:
- heavy or painful periods
- vaginal discharge
- itching.
How is a Prolapsed Uterus Treated?
A prolapsed uterus is a condition where the fallopian tube has collapsed and can’t get back into the uterus. In this condition, women may experience pain and bleeding, which can be managed by a doctor. The treatment for critical prolapsed uteri is surgery. During the surgery, a surgeon will cut the tissue that has become detached from the uterus and remove it. The doctor then will stitch together the two uterine halves to close up the opening between them. This procedure can sometimes be difficult, but can be done safely by a doctor with experience.
Healthy Prolapse Treatment Procedure and Surgery for Women
Prolapse surgery is a common problem among women. It is characterized by the protrusion of the vaginal vault, which may be as large as 10 cm (4 in). The prolapse may also cause internal injuries such as hemorrhage and peritonitis. In addition, prolapse surgery has serious side effects such as incontinence and urinary tract infections. .The most common prolapse surgeries are the vaginal vault prolapse and cystocele. Other procedures include the “paracervix” or recto-vaginal commissure, which can be done during surgery or as an elective procedure. The rectovaginal fistula is used to repair a rupture of peritoneal septate and a fistula is formed between the bladder and vagina. There are three main types of surgery for prolapse:
1. Vaginal Vault Prolapse:
The first type of prolapse surgery is the most common and involves vaginal vault prolapse or “vulvar arch” which is a small protrusion that may be as large as 10 cm (4 in) and may occur spontaneously or be the result of pelvic injury.
2. Cystocele:
The second type of prolapse surgery is the “cystocele” which is a protrusion that is usually caused by spinal cord compression or repeat trauma from an accident. A recto-vaginal commissure (RVC) refers to an incision made into the vaginal vault where all rectal tissue (i.e., recto-vaginal commissures) are connected to the vulva. Cystic fissions are more common than sacroiliac joint prolapses when an injury to the sacroiliac joints causes compression of the spinal cord and cause a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). into the sacrum. A common surgical procedure for cystic fissions is referred to as a “Vuorelle” or “Vuorelle-type” repair.
3) Recto-Vaginal Commissure
The third type of prolapse surgery is referred to as an RVC or recto-vaginal commissure, which involves an incision into the vaginal vault where all or part of the rectal sphincter muscle is exposed and removed. Often, these are performed in combination with LLLT, but may be done on their own. If so, they are referred to as “double-block” RVCs. These surgeries can often be more safely performed when combined with LLLT rather than by themselves. They require fewer incisions and are therefore more likely to be performed by gynecologists or other surgical specialists with expertise in the field.