Therapy
As a rule, a uterine prolapse that occurs after the birth recedes of its own accord within a few days. The retaining structures regain their stability and return to their previous state of stretching. However, if symptoms occur that do not disappear even after a few days, treatment is necessary.
This also applies if the uterus has shifted too much. The therapy depends on the age of the woman and whether or not she wishes to have another child.Women who are very overweight should reduce this in order to effectively counteract uterus prolapse. If it is only a slight uterine prolapse that causes little or no discomfort, then regular pelvic floor exercises should be performed.
These are special exercises that strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and should be done daily. In this way, a further sinking is counteracted and a slight sinking can be reduced again. If the uterus has already sunk too much, surgery should be performed on the uterus.
However, this should only be carried out if the uterus has sunk very much or if the uterus has already bulged into the vagina. There are two different surgical methods available. The doctor can perform the operation through the vagina or through an incision in the lower abdomen.
During the procedure, the muscles of the pelvic floor are gathered and the organs that have shifted are returned to their original position. Depending on which organs have shifted due to the lowering of the uterus, the skin in front or behind the vagina is loosened, the excess skin is removed and then sewn back together. Depending on the position, this is called anterior or posterior vaginal plastic surgery.
If the operated woman no longer wishes to have children, the doctor can remove the uterus during the operation (hysterectomy). An alternative is the treatment with a pessary. This is used especially for older women, or women who for some reason cannot be expected to undergo surgery.
This is a ring or cup-shaped aid made of silicone or plastic, which is inserted into the vagina by the gynaecologist to support the vagina and uterus. It must be changed every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent inflammation. As it is generally known that pregnancy is a heavy strain on the uterus and its supporting structures and there is a risk of uterine prolapse, this can be prevented even before pregnancy.
Well-developed pelvic floor muscles reduce the risk of uterus prolapse, so all exercises and sports that strengthen these muscles support prevention. Swimming, jogging, hiking and almost all sports strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. But there is also special pelvic floor training.
Also and especially during pregnancy it is important to do regular exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. One possibility is to attend regular pregnancy gymnastics, where especially such exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are shown. These can also be done at home.
It is also important to take part in postnatal exercises to strengthen the supporting structures of the uterus so that it can quickly return to its correct position. Overweight pregnant women can prevent uterine prolapse by losing weight, as this is an additional risk factor. Pelvic floor exercises can also be helpful if the uterus has already sunk. Although the sagging cannot be reversed, further sagging can be prevented. Pelvic floor exercises also help against incontinence.
