Womb Prolapse Treatment Minimally Invasive Treatment & Prevention Tips
Depending on the severity of the prolapse and how weak the supporting structures around the womb have become, treatment will vary and may include self-care/prevention, medications and laparoscopic surgery.
If your prolapse causes little to no symptoms, at-home measures may suffice in providing relief and preventing further worsening.
- Kegel Exercises: Stronger muscles will reduce the severity of the prolapse or even help prevent it altogether. This can be achieved through performing Kegel exercises regularly, which is done through repeatedly contracting and relaxing your pelvic muscles. You should consult a gynaecologist to find out how to do this correctly.
- Prevent Straining: Prevent factors that cause constant straining: chronic constipation, chronic coughing, excess weight or constant lifting of heavy items; as the constant pressure can contribute to a womb prolapse.
- Vaginal Pessary: A vaginal pessary is a plastic or rubber ring placed in the vagina to hold and support a prolapsed womb and/or vaginal walls in their rightful place. While not a cure, this treatment is used when surgery is deemed not suitable.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy: Used only in select post-menopausal women, estrogen therapy may be recommended. For instance, estrogen rings may be inserted into the vagina to improve the strength and vitality of vaginal tissues.
This is so as estrogen supports muscle function in women; but with menopause, estrogen levels decrease, causing women to gradually lose their pelvic floor strength and flexibility.
Surgically restoring the normal anatomy and muscle strength of the pelvic area can be performed either through the vagina or laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdomen.
The type of surgery performed will depend on:
- The severity of the prolapse
- The woman’s plans for future pregnancies
- The woman’s general health
Apart from the most severe case of total prolapse of the uterus, the uterus can absolutely be conserved. During the surgery, your gynaecologist can also concurrently correct the drooping of other affected organs (if any).
There are many minimally invasive forms of surgery that can be performed, which include:
- Anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy (repairs defects in the vaginal wall)
- Manchester repair (repositions the uterus)
- Sacro-spinous fixation (attaches the cervix to a pelvic ligament to better support the uterus)
- Vaginal hysterectomy (removes the uterus through the vagina)
Surgery tends to yield good results for women suffering from uterine prolapse, and may even be combined with a mid-urethral sling or colposuspension (where stitches are put in place to support the bladder) if urinary incontinence is present as well.
Your gynaecologist will take a holistic assessment of your condition and determine which treatment plan suits your needs best.
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