Uterine Prolapse | Gynecology | Memphis OBGYN

Treat the Stress on Your Pelvic Region

Childbirth, particularly if you’ve had more than one delivery, puts enormous stress on your pelvic region. As a result, many women suffer uterine prolapse months or even years later.

Prolapse Q & A

The gynecologists of Memphis Obstetrics & Gynecological Association, PC, with locations in Memphis and Bartlett, Tennessee, as well as Southaven, Mississippi, are highly experienced in surgically repairing problems created by prolapse. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is uterine prolapse?

The muscles and ligaments of your pelvic floor undergo much stress every time you’re pregnant and deliver a child. This may not be an issue at the time, but with each delivery, there may be more stretching without full recovery.

Without sufficient support, your uterus and the other organs in your pelvic region may slip down. Your uterus could protrude into your vagina.

Usually, prolapse affects women after menopause, but it can occur at any age. When the amount of prolapse is minor, it’s possible that no problems result, and no treatment is needed.

However, more advanced prolapse may be uncomfortable and interferes with your daily living. In these cases, treatment can improve the quality of your life.

What symptoms does prolapse cause?

In mild cases of uterine prolapse, you may have few symptoms other than a sensation that something is different but with no discomfort or pain. In more severe cases, symptoms may be numerous.

These may include sensations of pulling or heaviness within your pelvic region. It may feel as though something is falling from your vagina or that you’re sitting on something.

Relocation of your uterus due to prolapse may put pressure on your bladder that causes urinary difficulties, such as leakage or retention. You may experience problems with bowel movements.

Problems may be mild in the morning, increasing in severity through the day. Any prolapse-related issue becomes a medical problem when it starts to impact your daily living.

How is uterine prolapse treated?

Occasionally, self-care methods may offer improvements to uterine prolapse symptoms. Treating constipation, losing weight, and performing Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles may ease symptoms of prolapse.

Vaginal pessaries are devices made of rubber or plastic that, when inserted into your vagina, may support the uterus and other tissues that bulge into the vagina’s space.

Surgical solutions may be required if uterine prolapse symptoms are more severe. Partial or full hysterectomy may be necessary in serious cases, but sometimes, repair of the pelvic muscles is possible.

The physicians of MOGA may use minimally invasive surgery, including robotically assisted surgery and laparoscopic techniques, to treat or correct prolapse.