| Uterine prolapse | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pelvic organ prolapse, prolapse of the uterus (womb), female genital prolapse, uterine descensus, uterine eversion |
 | |
| Uterine prolapse in a 71-year-old woman, with the cervix visible in the vaginal opening. | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | Vaginal fullness, pain with sex, trouble urinating, urinary incontinence, constipation[1] |
| Usual onset | Gradual[2] |
| Types | 1st to 4th degree[1] |
| Risk factors | Pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, constipation, chronic cough[3] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on examination[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Vaginal cancer, a long cervix[1][3] |
| Treatment | Pessary, hormone replacement therapy, surgery[1][3] |
| Frequency | About 14% of women[2] |
Uterine prolapse is when the uterus descends towards or through the opening of the vagina.[1] Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, pain with sex, trouble urinating, urinary incontinence, and constipation.[1] Often it gets worse over time.[2] Low back pain and vaginal bleeding may also occur.[3]
Risk factors include pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, constipation, and chronic coughing.[3] Diagnosis is based on examination.[1] It is a form of pelvic organ prolapse, together with bladder prolapse, large bowel prolapse, and small bowel prolapse.[4]
Preventive efforts include managing chronic breathing problems, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.[3] Mild cases may be treated with a pessary together with hormone replacement therapy.[1][3] More severe cases may require surgery such as a vaginal hysterectomy.[1] About 14% of women are affected.[2] It occurs most commonly after menopause.[3][3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse - Gynecology and Obstetrics". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. February 2017. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d Culligan, Patrick J.; Goldberg, Roger P. (2007). Urogynecology in Primary Care. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 5. ISBN 9781846281679. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Ferri, Fred F. (2015). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 939. ISBN 9780323378222. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
- ^ "Uterine prolapse - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment". BMJ Best Practice. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.