Uterine prolapse
| Uterine prolapse | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pelvic organ prolapse, prolapse of the uterus (womb), female genital prolapse, uterine descensus |
| Depiction of uterine prolapse in which the uterus descending into the vaginal canal, towards the opening of the vagina | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | Vaginal fullness, pain with sex, trouble urinating, urinary incontinence[1] |
| Usual onset | Gradual[2] |
| Types | 1st to 4th degree[1] |
| Risk factors | Pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, constipation, chronic cough[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Vaginal cancer, a long cervix[1] |
| Treatment | Pelvic floor therapy, Pessary, surgery |
| Frequency | About 14% of women[3] |
Uterine prolapse is a form of pelvic organ prolapse in which the uterus and a portion of the upper vagina protrude into the vaginal canal and, in severe cases, through the opening of the vagina.[4] It is most often caused by injury or damage to structures that hold the uterus in place within the pelvic cavity.[2] Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, pain with sexual intercourse, difficulty urinating, and urinary incontinence.[4][1] Risk factors include older age, pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, obesity, chronic constipation, and chronic cough.[1] Prevalence, based on physical exam alone, is estimated to be approximately 14%.
Diagnosis is based on a symptom history and physical examination, including pelvic examination.[4] Preventive efforts include managing medical risk factors, such as chronic lung conditions, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy weight.[1] Management of mild cases of uterine prolapse include pelvic floor therapy and pessaries. More severe cases may require surgical intervention - options include uterine suspension (hysteropexy); removal of the uterus (partial or supra-cervical hysterectomy) with surgical fixation of the vaginal vault to a nearby pelvic structure;[4] or permanent surgical closure of the vagina (colpocleisis). Outcomes following management are generally positive with reported improvement in quality of life.[5]
- ^ a b c d e f g Ferri FF (28 May 2015). "Pelvic Organ Prolaps (Uterine Prolaspe)". Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 978-0-323-37822-2.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
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Barber_2022was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d Kilpatrick CC. "Uterine and Apical Prolapse – Gynecology and Obstetrics". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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