A prolapsed uterus indicates that your uterus has slipped out of place and is pushing into your vagina. This occurs when your pelvic muscles and connective tissue become insufficient to support your pelvic organs.A modest prolapse may not cause any symptoms. However, as the uterus slips, it can enter the vagina. In severe situations, the uterus might protrude through the vaginal opening .A prolapsed uterus can produce a variety of vaginal, lower abdomen, and lower back symptoms, including:
Discomfort, pressure, heaviness in the vagina, frequent urination, difficulty peeing, pain during sex difficulties bowel movement, vaginal discharge, or blood. In case the symptoms are extreme, it is recommended to go to your nearest gyneacology centre for a checkup.
Pelvic floor exercises can alleviate symptoms and even reverse moderate cases, while severe cases may necessitate extra treatment.
Learn how to execute pelvic exercises for a prolapsed uterus correctly and which exercises to avoid.
How to Work Your Pelvic Floor Muscles?
According to several studies, pelvic floor muscle workouts help minimize organ prolapse and alleviate discomfort. Pelvic floor exercises, often known as Kegel exercises, have been shown to help strengthen muscles and support pelvic organs.
What you should know before exercising Kegels?
Because they are not visible, it is more difficult to locate your pelvic floor muscles than, say, your biceps.
The pelvic floor muscles wrap around the uterus, bladder, and colon, providing support.To find them, imagine you need to stop peeing in midstream while also avoiding passing gas. That's your pelvic muscles at work.It's vital not to hold your breath or pressure your stomach, thighs, or buttocks when doing Kegels. If you empty your bladder first, you'll be more comfortable and prevent spilling urine. Kegels are simple to perform once you've mastered them, and they can quickly become a habit.
How to Perform Kegels Exercises?
Begin by deciding on a position:
- Sit up straight with your feet on the floor and your legs slightly apart.
- Lie down on your back with your legs bent and your feet on the bed or floor.
- Following that, continue to breathe normally.
- Pull up and tighten the muscles around your vagina and anus, squeezing them up and in.
- Hold for three seconds.
- Relax for three seconds.
- Rep up to ten times.
- Perform pelvic floor exercises three times per day. Increase your hold time by one second every day until it reaches ten seconds.
Kegels will become second nature as your comfort level increases, and you will be able to do them while standing or walking. This workout improves muscle strength and endurance.
Quick reaction time version
You can also practice a fast version to enhance pelvic muscle reaction time, which can be beneficial if you experience pain or leaks when you sneeze, cough, or laugh:
Simply repeat the exercise, but this time hold and relax for only 1 second. This should be done ten times. Kegels should be done three times every day for six months, or unless your doctor advises differently. Recognize that doing too many Kegels will not assist and may potentially make things worse, so don't overdo it. After 6 months, once a day may be sufficient to keep your muscles in good condition.Kegel trainers and apps can send you reminders and keep you motivated if you have difficulties remembering to complete Kegels.
Alternative treatment options
A few self-care measures may help to improve symptoms or prevent them from worsening. These are some examples:
- When moving your bowels, avoid straining.Using a footstool to elevate your legs or leaning forward can be beneficial.
- To avoid constipation, eat a high-fiber diet and drink lots of fluids.
- Take care of your chronic cough.
- Don't lift anything heavy.
- If you are overweight, you should lose weight.
Uterine prolapse does not usually necessitate medical attention. However, if it does, the treatment you choose is determined by factors such as:
- The severity of your symptoms, your age, whether you wish to maintain your uterus, and any other health concerns
- Willingness to use a Pessary - A vaginal pessary is a ring-shaped device made of rubber or silicone that is used to support pelvic organs. They come in a variety of forms and sizes, so your doctor can assist you in finding the right one for you. You'll also discover how to carefully insert and remove it, as well as how to maintain it clean. These devices can be used for both short-term and long-term treatment.
- Past Surgeries.
Surgical alternatives include:
- Native tissue restoration is a treatment that involves stitching the prolapsed portion to a ligament or muscle in the pelvis. When your own tissues aren't robust enough, mesh is utilized to assist keep the uterus in place.
- Obliterative surgery involves narrowing or closing the vagina to support prolapsed organs. Sexual intercourse, however, is no longer possible following this procedure.
- Hysterectomy: This is when the uterus is surgically removed.
In conclusion
A prolapsed uterus has shifted out of position and is pushing into the vagina. This can result in symptoms such as painful intercourse, overall discomfort, and vaginal heaviness.In certain circumstances, completing pelvic muscle exercises coupled with other self-care practices might alleviate symptoms or reverse a minor uterine prolapse. Other treatments are not always required for a prolapsed uterus. However, in extreme circumstances, a vaginal pessary can offer the essential support. There are also a few surgical options.Consider incorporating Kegel movements into your everyday practice to help prevent organ prolapse. Consult a gyneacologists if you suspect you have uterine prolapse.
