Prolapsed uterus

A prolapsed uterus is a uterus that has tilted, slipped or is otherwise positioned improperly. In severe cases, the uterus may slip so far down that it actually hangs out of the vagina. A prolapsed uterus can cause feelings of pressure and discomfort in the abdomen or rectal area. It can also lead to urinary incontinence.


Causes
A prolapsed uterus develops when the ligaments that hold the uterus to the wall of the pelvis weaken. The uterus then slides downward. The weakening of the ligaments often begins during childbirth. Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 8 pounds increases the risk. The ligaments may repair themselves over time, but they may never return to their former strength. Later, with age, the ligaments may weaken further. Being overweight and having chronic constipation or fibroid tumors can also increase the risk of developing a prolapsed uterus. Your genetic makeup may also play a role.

Treatment
A prolapsed uterus is generally considered a permanent condition. If you have any symptoms of this condition, consult your doctor. In mild cases, exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the uterus may help relieve your symptoms. These exercises, known as Kegels, should be done daily.
Taking estrogen can sometimes help the muscles and tissues that support the uterus from weakening further. Your doctor may also recommend trying a pessary. This rubber device is inserted into the vagina to hold the uterus in place. There are different types of pessaries, depending on the specific condition being treated. Proper fit is sometimes achieved by trial and error. A pessary may cause irritation and interfere with sex. If you have a pessary, you must consult your doctor regularly -- he or she must remove the pessary for routine cleaning.

In some cases, surgery may be needed. One type of surgery tightens the weakened muscles without removing the uterus. But if the uterus has dropped so far that it is coming through the vagina, a hysterectomy may be needed. This surgery is sometimes done through the vagina, without opening the abdomen.