| What are Uterine Prolapse and Procidentia? A uterine prolapse is when the uterus falls and drops into the vagina. When most of the uterus has fallen through the vaginal opening, the condition is known as a procedentia.
A mild uterine prolapse may not have any symptoms. However, when present, common symptoms include: • A soft bulge in or protruding from your vagina These symptoms may worsen throughout the day
If your vaginal wall and pelvic floor weaken, your uterus loses its support and can fall into your vagina. Pregnancy, trauma during delivery, giving birth to large babies, long difficult labors, and the use of forceps often weaken and damage the supporting tissues of the uterus. This increases the risk of uterine prolapse. Additionally, repetitive straining such as during bowel movements or heavy lifting can also increase the risk of uterine prolapse. As a woman goes through menopause, her estrogen levels fall. This leads to a weakening of the muscles surrounding the vagina, increasing the risk of prolapse. A uterine prolapse is graded depending on it's severity. There are three types of uterine prolapse:
The treatment of a uterine prolapse depends on the severity of it. If your prolapse is mild, pelvic floor strengthening and avoidance of heavy straining can help. More severe prolapses may require the use of a pessary. A pessary is a device of various shapes and sizes that is placed in the vagina to support the uterus to keep it in place. A procidentia may require surgery to correct the positioning of the uterus. To prevent worsening of a uterine prolapse, you should consider the following: Back to Pelvic Organ Prolapse |
Grade 1 - a mild uterine prolapse, where your uterus has dropped a small amount into your vagina.
Grade 2 - a more severe uterine prolapse, where your uterus has dropped enough to reach the opening of your vagina.
Grade 3 - the most severe type of uterine prolapse also known as procidentia, where most of your uterus is bulging through the opening of your vagina.