You are at risk of developing womb or genital prolapse if you
- Reach menopause
- Have multiple vaginal deliveries especially big babies
- Perform strenuous physical activity (eg weightlifting or sprinting)
Womb prolapse is a condition where the womb (uterus) falls from the natural position into the vaginal canal. This is caused by a weakening of the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue around the vagina area. It can occur at the same time when other organs (eg bladder and rectum) located in the pelvic region also descend into the vaginal canal. This is known as female genital prolapse.
Find out more about Womb Prolapse here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-prolapse/symptoms-causes/syc-20353458!
You are at risk of developing womb or genital prolapse if you
Many women do not experience symptoms during the early stage of the womb prolapse. But you may have womb prolapse if you experience the following symptoms:
In addition, if you have female genital prolapse, you may also experience:
Womb prolapse is rarely a life-threatening condition. However, it is advisable to seek medical attention if you have any of the symptoms:
Generally, womb (and genital prolapse) can be treated by either surgical or non-surgical methods, depending on your age, the cause and the severity of your prolapse as well as your overall medical status.
Non-surgical method is usually more suitable if you have few or no symptoms especially at the early stage of your womb prolapse. It is also recommended if you are cannot undergo surgery due to medical conditions which may increase your medical risk.
You may need surgery if non-surgical method is no longer effective or when your prolapse has reached its advanced stage. Surgery is also advisable when you are having complications from non-surgical method of treatment (eg use of pessary).
The aim of the first consultation is to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of your womb prolapse. This is done by asking for your detailed medical history and performing a thorough vaginal examination.
We will then assess the severity of your symptoms and help you identify any aggravating factors which might worsen your prolapse. After a full assessment of your womb or genital prolapse, we will advise you on the treatment options which are most appropriate for you.
Non-surgical methods like lifestyle changes and Kegel exercises are almost risk-free but you need determination and patience for them to be effective as they require long term compliance.
Pessary, especially after prolonged use, can cause potential problems such as vaginal ulcers, bleeding, infection, irritation and malodorous discharge. This is common especially in older patients who have a thin vaginal lining. When such complications occur, it is important to consult your gynaecologist.
Surgical treatments can be associated with potential risks such as bleeding, postoperative infections and pelvic organ injuries. However, in carefully selected patients with low medical risks, the chances of complications from surgery are reasonably low.
An important consideration to minimising your risk of surgery is to choose a gynaecologist who specialises in the treatment of female genital prolapse (ieUro-gynaecologist).