If you have a mild prolapsed uterus you may not have any symptoms.
You may have symptoms if you have moderate to severe uterine prolapse including:
- a sensation of heaviness and pressure in your the vagina
- a lump or bulge within or protruding from your vagina
- pain or numbness during sex
- urinary problems such as incontinence or the need to urinate frequently or urgently
- constipation
Symptoms may worsen during the day if you stand or walk for long periods of time as gravity places extra pressure on your pelvic muscles.
Prolapsed uterus treatment options will be discussed after a pelvic examination and a diagnosis is made.
Recommended uterine prolapse treatment is based on the severity of your uterine prolapse and symptoms, your health and age, and if you are planning to have children in the future.
Treatment for uterine prolapse includes:
- Non-surgical prolapsed uterus treatment
- Lifestyle changes – such as losing weight if you're overweight, high-fibre diet to prevent constipation, no heavy lifting, avoiding high-impact exercise, and stopping smoking.
- Pelvic floor strengthening exercises – often the first line of treatment. A physiotherapist-guided program will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Oestrogen cream, tablet or vagina ring – if you have a mild prolapse and have been through the menopause, oestrogen may be recommended to ease some of your symptoms.
- Vaginal pessary - a rubber or plastic device which can be fitted into the vagina to support your uterus and relieve symptoms.
- Surgical prolapsed uterus treatment
Surgery may be needed in some cases. There are several types of prolapse surgery that include:
- Surgical repair with stitches or vaginal mesh – to restore your pelvic organs to their original position. It can be performed through the vagina or abdomen, or laparoscopically. Your pelvic organs are lifted, repaired and supported using stitches, or a piece of synthetic mesh is inserted to hold your pelvic organs in place. Vaginal mesh surgery may be offered at the same time or after a hysterectomy for additional vaginal wall support or to younger women who do not want to have a hysterectomy.
- Hysterectomy – for some women, the most effective treatment for a prolapsed uterus is to have it removed. This is only suited to women who have been through the menopause or do not wish to have any more children.
- Closing part or all of the vagina - to prevent organs from moving into your vagina. This is only offered to women with an advanced prolapse, when other treatments have not worked, and they do not plan to have sexual intercourse again in the future.
