Uterine Prolapse

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

What is a uterine prolapse?

A uterine prolapse is a condition that causes your uterus to slip down into your vagina. Prolapse can happen if the tissues and muscles supporting your uterus become weak or damaged.

What are the signs and symptoms of a uterine prolapse?

Pelvic pressure or heaviness
A soft bulge or lump in your vagina that may bulge through your vaginal opening
Trouble urinating or having a bowel movement
Pain in your lower back, pelvis, or vagina
Pain during sex

What increases my risk for a uterine prolapse?

Pregnancy and childbirth
Lower estrogen levels from older age or menopause
Anything that strains your pelvic muscles, such as obesity, chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements, severe coughing, or lifting heavy objects
A family history (mother or sister) of a uterine prolapse
Pelvic surgery
A collagen disease, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

How is a uterine prolapse diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and other health conditions. Tell your provider about pregnancies or past surgeries you had. Your provider will need to know if your symptoms are causing problems with your daily activities or with sex. You may also need the following:

A pelvic exam is used to help find how far down your uterus has moved. Your healthcare provider may ask you to tighten the muscles of your pelvis as if you are trying to stop urinating. This helps find how strong your pelvic muscles are. Your provider may also check the position of your uterus when you are standing.
Post-void residual is a test to see if you are able to empty your bladder completely. An ultrasound is used to check for urine left in your bladder after you urinate. Your provider may use a catheter to drain any remaining urine.

How is uterine prolapse treated?

The goal of treatment is to correct the prolapse and relieve your signs and symptoms. Treatment may include any of the following:

Estrogen may help strengthen the pelvic muscles and keep the prolapse from getting worse. This may be taken as a pill, applied as a cream, or inserted into your vagina.
A vaginal device, such as a pessary or sphere, may be used to hold your uterus in place and support your muscles. These devices may help decrease pressure on other pelvic organs, or help you do Kegel exercises.
Surgery may be needed to fix the prolapse. You may have surgery to tighten the muscles and tissues that hold your uterus in place. Your healthcare provider may use a mesh patch or a tissue graft to support or hold your uterus in place. Surgery to close your vagina may be used to hold your uterus in place. Hysterectomy is surgery used to remove your uterus.

What can I do to manage my symptoms?

Sit with your legs elevated. This can help relieve pain or discomfort. Put pillows or blankets under your ankles to elevate your entire legs.
Do Kegel exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles that hold your uterus in place. They also tighten the muscles you use when you urinate or have a bowel movement. Tighten muscles in your pelvis (muscles you use to stop urinating). Hold the muscles tight for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually work up to holding the muscles contracted for 10 seconds. Do at least 3 sets of 10 repetitions a day.
Do not strain. Do not lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time, or strain to have a bowel movement. Prevent constipation by drinking plenty of liquids and eating foods high in fiber. Ask how much liquid to drink every day. High-fiber foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider for a healthy weight for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight. He or she can also help you create an exercise program. Exercise helps your bowels work better and decreases pressure inside your colon.

When should I seek immediate care?

You have bleeding from your vagina that does not stop.
You have a mass coming out of your vagina that you cannot push back in.
You are unable to urinate or have a bowel movement.
You have severe abdominal pain.

When should I call my doctor?

You are leaking urine or bowel movement.
You have a fever.
You have foul-smelling fluid coming from your vagina.
You see blood coming from your vagina that is not from your monthly period.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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