Prolapse of the Uterus

Symptoms
A woman suffering from prolapse of a uterus feels that something is coming down through the vagina. A sense of fullness of the bladder and rectum. Other symptoms include dragging discomfort in the lower abdomen, low backache, heavy menses and milk vaginal discharge. There is also an increase in the frequency of urination and difficulty in total emptying of the bladder and a burning sensation due to infection. Difficulty in passing stools and complete evacuation of bowels
The condition may also result in difficulty in normal sexual intercourse and sometimes sterility.

Causes
There are several factors which contribute to the displacement of the uterus. These include continuous distension of the intestines with gas or excess food materials, leading to constant downward pressure on the womb, chronic constipation leading to pressure from behind from an over-filed colon, tight clothing especially tight corsets, constant stooping, and a weakened condition of the internal muscles of the abdomen, through lack of exercise and bodily weakness.

Prolonged labor, an interference in the delivery by inexpert people, lack of proper rest and diet in post-natal periods, repeated deliveries and manual work. An increased weight of the womb, tumors of the uterus, traction of the uterus and surgical injuries can also lead to this disorder. Menopausal atrophy may also precipitate it.

Prevention
It is easier to prevent prolapse of uterus than cure it after its occurrence. The measures to prevent it should include good antenatal care in pregnancy, proper management and timely intervention during delivery, good postnatal care with proper rest, correct diet and appropriate exercise so as to strengthen the pelvic musculature.

Treatment