TILII TOPICS
Uterine Prolapse
What is Uterine Prolapse?
A prolapse occurs when an organ or other parts of the body slips down or forward. The tilt can cause severe pain and discomfort. In the female anatomy, the uterus and bladder and rectum are organs that can easily become prolapsed or tilted. Childbirth, menopause and straining to lift heavy objects can cause a prolapse of both the uterus as well as the bladder. As a woman ages and the walls of the abdomen and pelvis become weaker, strenuous activity can damage the muscles, causing them to fail. Childbirth can also have an impact on how well the uterus is supported.
What Are the Symptoms of Prolapsed Pelvic Organs?
The most common symptoms of a prolapsed uterus involve pressure on the pelvic area. Painful and problematic intercourse, vaginal discharge of any kind, constipation, frequent and recurring bladder infection, and the protrusion of the uterus through the vaginal opening are other symptoms. The prolapse of the uterus or the bladder does not happen overnight, although it may take a short period for the symptoms to become severe enough to be noticeable. Once the muscle walls begin to fail, the prolapse will be easily noticeable in an ultrasound as well as through a pelvic exam.
How Is Prolapse Treated?
Dr. Sodhi offers ThermiVA vaginal rejuvenation and uses it to effectively reverse mild cases of bladder or rectal prolapse. More extreme cases require vaginal surgery, which Dr. Sodhi specializes in. For women awaiting surgery or non-surgical candidates, devices are available that can be placed inside the vagina to help support the pelvic floor and hold the uterus in place. No treatment is necessary if the prolapse is not severe enough to cause physical discomfort however treatment with ThermiVA can be used to prevent progression severe prolapse that would then require surgery.