Uterine Prolapse
Alternate Names : Prolapsed Uterus, Pelvic Support Relaxation, Pelvic Floor Hernia, Procidentia, Pudendal Hernia
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment for uterine prolapse
depends on many things, including:
the severity of the prolapse
the severity of the symptoms
the presence of other signs and symptoms
a woman's wishes to preserve her fertility
the woman's age
Treatment options include:
pessary, a plastic doughnut-shaped device placed into the vagina to push up the uterus
round ligament suspension procedure, an operation to provide muscle support to the uterus
estrogen therapy given
directly into the vagina with creams
hysterectomy, or surgery to
remove the uterus
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The side effects depend on the treatment. The use of hormone replacement therapy may
cause nausea, weight gain, abdominal bloating, increased vaginal discharge, and breast tenderness. After a hysterectomy a woman will need 6 to 8 weeks to
recuperate. There are possible side effects with any surgery. These include
bleeding, infection, and allergic
reactions to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
After surgical
treatment of a prolapsed uterus, a woman should:
avoid lifting heavy objects
prevent constipation by
drinking
plenty of fluids, using stool softeners for a short time, and increasing her
fiber intake
perform Kegel exercises daily
avoid smoking
lose weight through diet and exercise, if she is overweight
continue with hormone replacement
therapy, if she was using it before surgery
avoid wearing tight girdles or other garments that put pressure on the
abdomen
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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