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]]>The main cause of uterine prolapse is a weakening of the pelvic muscles. A few common causes of weakened pelvic muscles are repeated straining, estrogen loss, gravity and tissue damage. If uterine prolapse is disrupting your normal life or making you uncomfortable, then it might be a good time to consider treatment.
What Are the Symptoms?
The severity of this condition is different for everyone; some women who have it don’t experience any signs or symptoms. If you have a severe case of uterine prolapse, then some of the common symptoms to watch for are vaginal discharge, heaviness in the pelvic floor, urinary problems, constipation and pain during intercourse.
What Are the Risk Factors?
The risk of developing this condition increases as you get older because your estrogen levels decrease. Since estrogen is the main hormone that keeps the pelvic muscles strong, a reduced concentration of estrogen in your body can cause these important muscles to weaken.
Natural childbirth is another risk factor because it can damage and weaken your pelvic muscles. If you’ve given birth more than once, then you’re at a greater risk for developing uterine prolapse than other women. You’re also at a much greater risk for this issue if you’re postmenopausal.
All activity that puts extra pressure on the pelvic muscles can make you much more likely to develop this condition. Other common risk factors include chronic constipation, chronic coughing and obesity.
Prevention and Treatment
There are several steps that you can take to reduce the amount of stress placed on your pelvic tissues. One of the best forms of prevention is avoiding heavy weights. Straining during bowel movements should also be avoided. Another way to prevent this unwanted condition is to maintain a healthy body weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
For a mild case of uterine prolapse, most treatments are designed to make the pelvic floor stronger, which can reduce undesirable symptoms. Kegel exercises can also be effective for reducing symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the condition, you might need to undergo surgery. There are several different techniques for uterine prolapse surgery, and the surgical procedures are designed to reduce the symptoms and restore normal anatomy.
If you believe you may have uterine prolapse, discuss your concerns with us at the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas. We are located in Agoura Hills and proudly serve patients in the area with comprehensive urogynecology and surgery. To receive a personalized treatment plan for your uterine prolapse, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
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]]>What is a Vaginal Pessary?
A vaginal pessary is a type of medical device that will be inserted into your vagina to provide your uterus with the support that it lacks. There are different types of pessaries, and they should be customized to fit your needs. Dr. Sherry Thomas will help you to determine which type of vaginal pessary is best for you. A vaginal pessary is removable. You will have it inserted at her office in Agoura Hills. You will also be given instructions about caring for your vaginal pessary. This will involve removing it on a regular basis to clean the device and yourself before reinserting the device. If you have any trouble with removing and inserting your vaginal pessary, you can go to Dr. Sherry Thomas for assistance.
Why Choose a Vaginal Pessary?
A vaginal pessary offers you a solution if you do not want to undergo surgery or a surgical procedure would be too risky for you. If you are younger and plan on having more children, a vaginal pessary may be the most practical solution. Some women experience prolapse while they are carrying a child. A vaginal pessary may be advised to offer necessary support until the baby is born.
What are Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse?
If you are a victim of uterine prolapse, your body is going to tell you that there is a problem. Symptoms may include feeling like there is pressure in your pelvis or against your vagina and rectum all of the time. You may struggle with constipation on a regular basis or experience discomfort during intercourse. Increased bleeding and discharge are typical symptoms. Bladder infections that keep recurring are another possible sign.
If you are experiencing symptoms, see Dr. Sherry Thomas to get a proper diagnosis and find out if a vaginal pessary can help you deal with this frustrating condition. Early treatment can help you to avoid bigger problems down the line; schedule your consultation at her office in Agoura Hills today!
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]]>While it can happen to women of any age, it is more common in postmenopausal women who have experienced one or more vaginal deliveries. Other contributing factors include tissue damage during pregnancy or childbirth, estrogen loss, and repetitive straining over the years.
If uterine prolapse disrupts your normal life or makes you uncomfortable, you should seek treatment for this condition.
Supervised Exercise and Medications
In moderate cases of uterine prolapse, it may be possible to correct or minimize the condition by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding lifting heavy objects to minimize pressure on the supportive pelvic structure.
Along with providing advice on a healthy diet, a health care professional can show you the correct way to perform exercises that strengthen pelvic muscles.
Vaginal Pessary
Another option is to wear a supportive device known as a vaginal pessary that fits inside your vagina to hold the uterus in place. Used on a temporary or permanent basis, the device is available in different shapes and sizes.
Your symptoms and internal measurements will help the medical team select the appropriate device. While some pessaries can be left in place for extended periods, others must be removed overnight and reinserted the following day.
During the fitting, you will receive guidance on how to insert, remove and clean the pessary.
Surgery
In cases where other options are ineffective, surgery may be required. The procedure may be performed through the vagina or an abdominal incision. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery may also be an option.
Depending upon your age and whether you wish to become pregnant in the future, surgery may be able to repair the uterus.
During surgery, the surgeon may also correct issues with your urethra, bladder, rectum and vaginal walls. In severe cases, the uterus can be removed in a procedure known as a hysterectomy.
If you are experiencing problems due to a prolapsed uterus, contact the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas today to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your condition and discuss your medical history as well as any concerns you may have. We will work with you to develop the best course of treatment for your individual circumstances.
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