Understanding a Prolapsed Uterus

Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus weaken, allowing it to slip down into or press against the vaginal canal. It is common after childbirth, with age, or following menopause, It is common after childbirth, with age, or following menopause, when supportive tissue naturally loses some of its strength. Uterine prolapse symptoms can range from a mild feeling of heaviness or pressure to a visible bulge at the vaginal opening, and severity varies considerably from one woman to another. Some women also notice discomfort during intercourse, difficulty with urination, or a dragging sensation that worsens toward the end of the day.

What Is Uterine Prolapse? Causes, Types and Stages

The uterus is secured in its place by a bunch of strong muscles and ligaments. When the area is stretched unusually it weakens these muscles and this can cause a uterine prolapse which is also termed pelvic floor hernia. In case of a uterine prolapse, there is a slipping of the uterus from its position into the vagina. There can be two kinds of prolapse – complete and incomplete. In case of a complete Uterine Prolapse, the uterus sags completely with some tissues remaining outside the vagina. In case of an incomplete Uterine Prolapse, the uterus sags partially.

A uterine prolapse occurs in several stages:

• First Degree Uterine Prolapse: In this case the cervix sags into the vagina
• Second Degree Uterine Prolapse: In this case the cervix is just at the opening of the vagina
• Third Degree Uterine Prolapse: In this case the cervix is outside the vagina
• Fourth Degree Uterine Prolapse: also termed as procidentia, here the whole uterus is outside the vagina