Uterine Prolapse – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor weaken. This causes the uterus to drop into or out of the vagina.
This condition most commonly affects women after menopause, particularly those who have given birth vaginally one or more times.
Many mild cases don’t need treatment. However, when uterine prolapse causes discomfort or interferes with daily activities, medical intervention may be necessary.
Risk factors:
- Post-menopausal status
- Previous vaginal births
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles
The severity varies from person to person, with symptoms ranging from barely noticeable to significantly impacting quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms
Uterine prolapse happens when the womb moves downward in the body. Mild cases often go unnoticed, especially after having a baby. But moderate to severe uterine prolapse may cause these symptoms:
- Tissue bulging from the vagina (visible or felt)
- Heavy or pulling feeling in the pelvic area
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urine leakage problems
- Difficulty with bowel movements (sometimes requiring finger pressure on the vagina)
- Feeling like you’re sitting on a small ball
- Friction between vaginal tissue and clothing
- Discomfort or pressure in the pelvis or lower back
- Concerns about vaginal looseness during sex
When Medical Help Is Needed
If symptoms of uterine prolapse interfere with your daily activities or cause significant discomfort, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider.
They can explain different treatment options that might help improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if these symptoms become bothersome.
Causes
Uterine prolapse happens when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues become weak. Several factors can lead to this weakening:
Pregnancy and Childbirth Factors:
- Vaginal deliveries, especially multiple births
- Having children later in life
- Difficult or traumatic deliveries
- Delivering large babies
Physical Factors:
- Excess body weight
- Decreased estrogen levels during menopause
- Ongoing constipation or straining during bowel movements
- Chronic coughing or bronchitis
- Regular heavy lifting
These factors put pressure on the pelvic floor over time, gradually weakening the supportive structures that hold the uterus in place.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing uterine prolapse:
- Vaginal births (especially multiple births)
- Having your first baby later in life
- Delivering a large baby
- Getting older
- Higher body weight
- Previous surgery in the pelvic area
- Regular constipation or straining during bowel movements
- Family history of connective tissue weakness
- Hispanic or white ethnicity
- Frequent coughing, often from smoking
These factors can weaken the pelvic floor tissues that support the uterus.
Related Issues
Uterine prolapse often occurs alongside other pelvic organ prolapses. Two common related conditions include:
Anterior Prolapse (Cystocele)
- Happens when the tissue between the bladder and vagina weakens
- Causes the bladder to bulge into the vagina
- Also known as a prolapsed bladder
Posterior Vaginal Prolapse (Rectocele)
- Occurs when tissue between the rectum and vagina weakens
- Makes the rectum bulge into the vagina
- May cause bowel movement difficulties
These conditions share similar risk factors and can happen together.
Ways to Prevent Uterine Prolapse
There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of uterine prolapse:
- Manage bowel movements. Eat foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Then, drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
- Lift properly. Use your leg muscles instead of your back when lifting heavy objects. When possible, avoid heavy lifting altogether.
- Treat coughing problems. Seek medical help for chronic cough or bronchitis. Also, quitting smoking can reduce coughing.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Speak with your healthcare provider about reaching and maintaining a healthy weight for your body type.
