Uterine prolapse is a serious disease that occurs in women of different ages. In simple terms, this pathology involves the prolapse of the uterus, which causes discomfort and pain. The causes of prolapse can be birth trauma, lack of estrogen, respiratory diseases that have become chronic.
What is uterine prolapse and how dangerous is this pathology?
Uterine prolapse is the displacement of the cervix and the bottom of the uterus below the anatomical boundary. This situation is not natural for her, which is why uterine prolapse causes discomfort and even pain that prevent you from enjoying a full life. The pelvic floor muscles and ligaments of the uterus weaken, which eventually leads to its omission. Most women for a long time do not seek medical advice even after a long time after the first unpleasant or painful symptoms.
However, over time, discomfort only increases, and with it there are unpleasant feelings during intimate closeness, changes in the menstrual cycle occur – the process takes more painful with increased menstrual flow, and various kinds of discharge (including bloody) may appear regardless of critical days. Pulling pain can be given to the lumbar region, there is constant pressure in the lower abdomen and the presence of a foreign body in the vagina itself. Some women have urological problems. Incontinence of urine and feces, inflammatory processes in the kidneys and pelvic organs against the background of difficulty urinating. Constipation, colitis, not controlling gases are also serious consequences of uterine prolapse. In addition, in such cases, varicose veins in the pelvic organs may exacerbate pain. The most dangerous moment of this disease is a threat to the childbearing function. To date, forecasts among doctors and methods of surgery in general boil down to a favorable outcome. And with surgery, even in the most severe cases, it is possible to avoid problems with conceiving and carrying a child.
How to recognize the first signs of the disease?
There are several stages of uterine prolapse, and each stage is characterized by certain symptoms. The gynecologist can determine the prolapse of the uterus, based on the clinical signs observed in the patient and the results of the diagnosis.
At the 1st stage: there is a prolapse of the uterus, although, as at the 2nd stage, the disease may not manifest itself in pronounced pain symptoms. At this stage, cervical deformities are observed, the organ is not visible from the outside, but it is felt closer to the vaginal entrance, the walls are slightly lowered.
At stage 2: the uterus begins to sag a little, changing its shape. In the normal state, both the cervix and her body are in their natural position, but with extreme physical exertion, sneezing or coughing, she can look out of the genital slit. After a rest or special exercises, the uterus returns to its place.
At the 3rd stage: at this stage, the symptoms observed at the second stage are only aggravated. At the slightest tension, coughing or sneezing, the uterus falls out of the genital slit and does not return back independently.
At the 4th stage: there is a complete prolapse of the uterus, all the walls of the vagina out of the genital slit. This is naturally associated with the prolapse of the walls of the bladder and rectum. In the last stages of prolapse, anemia may occur in women due to heavy discharge during the menstrual cycle. At this stage, surgical intervention is inevitable, as a rule, the doctor prescribes surgery.
The main causes of uterine prolapse
The most common causes of prolapse in women are the postpartum period and the consequence of menopause. As a rule, it is a fairly common disease among women in the age range from 40 to 50 years. The main cause of prolapse at this age is gynecological diseases: cysts, fibroids, uterine fibroids, and other inflammatory processes. Connective tissues grow due to cervical dysplasia and lead to the prolapse of the uterus itself. An important role is played by hereditary diseases, poor metabolism, diabetes and even high blood pressure. It can also be caused by congenital defects, which are due to the underdevelopment of the genital organs or as a consequence of surgical interventions that led to injuries to the internal organs. Young mothers may also suffer due to the large pressure on the pelvic muscles, this may be especially pronounced in the last months of pregnancy. The development of pathology can begin after birth. Illiterate doctors’ manipulations, multiple pregnancies, repeated deliveries and large fetuses lead to a loss of muscle elasticity, and as a result, the uterus descends.