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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Uterine Prolapse: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Reproductive System

Uterine Prolapse

Alternate Names : Prolapsed Uterus, Pelvic Support Relaxation, Pelvic Floor Hernia, Procidentia, Pudendal Hernia

Uterine Prolapse | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


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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    Uterine Prolapse: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Uterine Prolapse: Pictures and Images

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 04/09/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006