Uterine Prolapse Treatment: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options

Uterine prolapse varies in severity from one person to another. Depending on the symptoms and how they affect your quality of life, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. If no significant symptoms are present, treatment may not be necessary, but regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor the condition. 

However, if you experience troublesome symptoms, your doctor may suggest several treatment options tailored to your condition and the severity of the prolapse. These options may include: 

• Lifestyle modifications
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Vaginal pessary use
• Hormone therapy (estrogen) if necessary
• Surgery

Non-Surgical Treatments

Lifestyle Modifications

If uterine prolapse is mild and doesn’t cause significant symptoms, some lifestyle adjustments can help prevent the condition from worsening, including: 

• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Steering clear of high-intensity exercises
• Eating a fiber-rich diet and drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation
• Quitting smoking

Kegel Exercises for Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can be effective in treating mild cases of uterine prolapse. To perform these exercises: 

1. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles as if trying to stop passing gas or prevent urination.
2. Hold the contraction for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. If this is difficult, start with shorter durations and gradually increase.
3. Gradually extend the hold time to 10 seconds per contraction.
4. Repeat the exercise 10 times per session, and you can perform these exercises anywhere, up to 3-4 times a day.

Vaginal Pessary Use

A vaginal pessary is a ring-shaped device placed around the cervix to help lift and support the uterus. It is used for moderate to severe cases of uterine prolapse and is a good option if you prefer to avoid surgery. However, the pessary needs to be removed, cleaned, and replaced regularly. 

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments fail or if the prolapse is severe, surgery may be the most appropriate solution. Several types of surgeries are available to treat uterine prolapse, and the choice of surgery depends on the severity of the condition and your desire to have children in the future. These surgeries include:

Uterine Repositioning

This involves stitching the uterus back into place or strengthening the supporting tissues. It can be performed through the abdomen or vagina under general anesthesia. If you plan to become pregnant in the future, your doctor may advise delaying surgery, as pregnancy may cause the prolapse to recur.

Hysterectomy

If you are postmenopausal or do not wish to have more children, your doctor may recommend a full hysterectomy.

Vaginal Mesh Implant

This involves inserting a mesh to support the prolapsed organs, but its use has declined due to complications such as pain and nerve damage.

Vaginal Closure

This option is reserved for advanced cases where there is no longer a desire for sexual activity. Part or all of the vagina is closed to relieve symptoms.

Regain Your Comfort and Confidence

Free yourself from the discomfort of uterine prolapse and consult our specialized gynecologists at Al Ahli Hospital to find the best treatment option for you, whether surgical or non-surgical. Book your appointment now!