Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, providing inadequate support for the uterus. The uterus then descends into the vaginal canal.
Uterine prolapse often affects postmenopausal women who've had one or more vaginal deliveries. Damage to supportive tissues during pregnancy and childbirth, effects of gravity, loss of estrogen, and repeated straining over the years all can weaken your pelvic floor and lead to uterine prolapse.
If you have mild uterine prolapse, treatment usually isn't needed. But if uterine prolapse makes you uncomfortable or disrupts your normal life, you might benefit from treatment. Options include using a supportive device (pessary) inserted into your vagina or having surgery to repair the prolapse.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse varies in severity. You may have mild uterine prolapse and experience no signs or symptoms. Or you could have moderate to severe uterine prolapse. If that's the case, you may experience the following:
Sensation of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
Tissue protruding from your vagina
Urinary difficulties, such as urine leakage or urine retention
Trouble having a bowel movement
Low back pain
Feeling as if you're sitting on a small ball or as if something is falling out of your vagina
Sexual concerns, such as sensing looseness in the tone of your vaginal tissue
Symptoms that are less bothersome in the morning and worsen as the day goes on
When to see a doctor
Uterine prolapse doesn't require treatment unless it's severe. If your signs and symptoms become bothersome and disrupt your normal activities, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options.
Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Pregnancy and trauma incurred during childbirth, particularly with large babies or after a difficult labor and delivery, are the main causes of muscle weakness and stretching of supporting tissues leading to uterine prolapse. Loss of muscle tone associated with aging and reduced amounts of circulating estrogen after menopause also may contribute to uterine prolapse. In rare circumstances, uterine prolapse may be caused by a tumor in the pelvic cavity.
Genetics also may play a role in strength of supporting tissues. Women of Northern European descent have a higher incidence of uterine prolapse than do women of Asian and African descent.
Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staff
Certain factors may increase your risk of uterine prolapse:
One or more pregnancies and vaginal births
Giving birth to a large baby
Increasing age
Frequent heavy lifting
Chronic coughing
Frequent straining during bowel movements
Genetic predisposition to weakness in connective tissue
Some conditions, such as obesity, chronic constipation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), can place a strain on the muscles and connective tissue in your pelvis and may play a role in the development of uterine prolapse.
