The uterus is an essential part of the female anatomy. When the uterus is properly tucked away, it’s a soft, flexible organ that can expand to hold a baby. But when it prolapses – or descends inside the body – it may look and feel like something is wrong. It’s also known as chronic uterine prolapse or simply chronic uterine problems.
Most women won’t have any problems with their uterus dropping down inside their bodies due to natural causes such as old age or pregnancy. For others, this may be due to diseases like endometriosis or fibroids. However, if left untreated, a Prolapsed uterus can cause your uterus to drop down into your pelvis and lead to chronic uterine problems.
Causes:
The causes of a prolapsed uterus are unknown; however, there are several conditions that may cause a uterus to prolapse. Some of the common reasons why a woman’s uterus may prolapse are:
Old age: Old women are more likely to experience a prolapse because of their uterus’s smaller size than men.
Pregnancy: The increased uterine size resulting from pregnancy can cause a prolapse.
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: An overgrowth of gastric acid can force the stomach wall into the upper abdomen.
Anxiety: Overthinking or feeling over-responsible for other people’s problems can cause the uterus to produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause a prolapse.
Mental illness: Bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders are associated with a higher risk of a prolapsed uterus.
Positive MENSA (Multi- Orbital Enzymes Syndrome) testing: This is a rare condition that results from an imbalance between certain enzymes found in the GI tract and the ovaries.
Chronic inflammatory conditions: These may include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune diseases.
Genetic factors: Some inherited disorders such as Fanconi’s syndrome and Patau’s disease can cause a prolapsed uterus; High-risk pregnancies may include elective terminations, fetal heartbeats above the normal rate, and pregnancy without medical advice.
Symptoms:
The most common prolapsed uterus symptoms are heavy bleeding, dark urine, and dark coloured bowel movements. Most women experience these symptoms a few times in their lifetime. While many cases of chronic uterine problems can be managed successfully with diet and exercise, for some women, the only option is to have the uterus removed.
Treatment: How Is A Prolapsed Uterus Treated?
Depending on the underlying cause, you may be able to treat your prolapsed uterus naturally. For example, if endometriosis is the cause, you can try mounds of self-exfoliation to get rid of the cells that cause the problem. This is known to help improve symptoms and even prevent conceive-ing again. In other cases, like if your prolapsed uterus is due to overactivity of the bladder, an over-the-counter suppository called meconium absorption might be able to help. If that works, your doctor may recommend certain medications to help with the symptoms of a prolapsed uterus. However, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with your doctor first.
Final Thoughts
The signs and symptoms of a prolapsed uterus are similar to those of a hernia but are usually more noticeable. Your doctor will examine you for a prolapsed uterus and talk to you about the possible causes. If your symptoms are consistent with a prolapsed uterus, your doctor will probably recommend a surgical procedure to remove it. If you have a prolapsed uterus, you’ll need to be prepared for what lies ahead. Diet, regular exercise, and taking birth control pills are essential. Your doctor can help you find a diet that works best with your individual needs. Keep in mind that your prolapsed uterus won’t keep growing. Once it’s removed, it probably won’t come back. A preventative procedure such as pap smears should be done yearly.
