The uterus (womb) is an organ of the female reproductive system. It is molded like an upside down pear and is situated inside the pelvis. The uterus, bladder and bowel are buttressed by a hammock of muscles situated between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone within the pelvis. These muscles are identified as the pelvic floor, or the levator ani muscles. Ligaments and connective tissue also dangle the uterus and pelvic organs in place. If these muscles or connective tissues are debilitated or impaired, the uterus can drop away into the vagina. This is identified as prolapse. Common reasons of uterine prolapse embrace vaginal childbirth, obesity, severe coughing, straining on the toilet and hormonal vicissitudes after menopause which can mutilate the pelvic organ support structures. First-line treatment should consist of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, taught by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. A pessary can be inserted to support the uterus and decrease the symptoms allied with the prolapse. Pelvic floor workouts are still useful when a pessary is in place. One can also opt for ayurvedic treatment of uterus prolapse.

Symptoms of prolapse of the uterus

The symptoms of uterine prolapse embrace:

• a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the vagina

• a distinctive lump or protuberance within the vagina

• a protuberance bulging out of the vagina

• excruciating sexual intercourse

Degrees of uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse is labeled in stages, specifying how far it has sloped. Other pelvic organs (such as the bladder or bowel) might also be prolapsed into the vagina. The four groupings of uterine prolapse are:

• Stage I – the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina

• Stage II – the uterus has sloped closely to the opening of the vagina

• Stage III – the uterus obtrudes out of the vagina

• Stage IV – the uterus is totally out of the vagina.

Causes of uterine prolapse

The pelvic floor and related supporting connective tissues can be debilitated or impaired in several ways including:

• pregnancy, particularly in the case of several births (such as twins or triplets), or several pregnancies

• vaginal childbirth, particularly if the baby was huge or delivered rapidly, or if there was a lengthy pushing phase

• obesity

• strain on the toilet to pass a bowel motion

• low levels of the sex hormone oestrogen after menopause

• severe coughing allied with disorders such as chronic bronchitis or asthma

• fibroids

• in rare cases, pelvic tumor