What is the difference between uterine prolapse and vaginal prolapse, and their symptoms and causes, Many women find it difficult to differentiate between uterine prolapse and vaginal prolapse. This is due to the pain in the lower region present in both conditions and causing discomfort. However, there are differences between them in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatment methods, which we will learn about in this article.
What is uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the muscles and tissues surrounding the uterus weaken, leading to the uterus falling or descending into the vagina. It is a common condition after menopause and in women who have had multiple vaginal births.
What is vaginal prolapse
Vaginal prolapse is a condition that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken, allowing the bladder and uterus to descend toward or through the vaginal opening. This sensation causes heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, as well as problems with urination.
Symptoms of uterine and vaginal prolapse
Symptoms of uterine prolapse include:
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area.
- A sensation of something protruding from the vagina.
- Experiencing urinary tract problems.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Difficulty defecating.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections.
Common symptoms of vaginal prolapse include:
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvic or vaginal area.
- A feeling of a mass or bulge in the vagina.
- Difficulty during intercourse.
- Problems urinating.
- Difficulty starting urination.
- A frequent need to urinate.
- Pelvic pain in the lower back.
- A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
- Constipation.
Causes of Vaginal Prolapse
Common causes of vaginal prolapse in many women include:
- The main cause of vaginal prolapse is weak pelvic floor muscles, resulting from stretching and weakening of the tissues supporting the organs.
- Risk factors associated with childbirth, such as vaginal delivery of multiple babies or the birth of a large baby.
- Pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken with age.
- Previous pelvic surgery.
- Increased abdominal pressure.
- Chronic constipation.
- Repeated heavy lifting.
What are the causes of uterine prolapse
The causes of uterine prolapse are related to pregnancy and childbirth, especially repeated or difficult vaginal births, or those requiring effort to push the fetus out.
The birth of a large baby increases pressure on the pelvic muscles, and pelvic surgery can affect the supporting tissues.
What is the difference between uterine prolapse and vaginal prolapse
The main difference between them is that uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus from its normal position into the vagina, while vaginal prolapse is the drooping of the vaginal walls themselves, often resulting from weak ligaments that support the internal pelvic organs.
Treatment of Uterine Prolapse
The treating physician prescribes hormonal therapy, such as topical estrogen, for postmenopausal women to strengthen vaginal tissues.
In severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, the doctor may resort to surgery. Surgery may include hysterectomy, preservation of the uterus and fixation of the uterus, or reconstruction of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
Home Remedies for Uterine Prolapse
The symptoms of uterine prolapse can be alleviated at home by:
- Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Controlling constipation
- Controlling a chronic cough
- Losing excess weight
Is there a cure for vaginal prolapse
Treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the severity of the condition and includes non-surgical treatments, including pelvic floor strengthening exercises, which are effective for women who do not want a surgical solution.
They can use a device called a pessary, which is similar to a diaphragm used for contraception and is inserted inside the vagina to help prevent the vagina from prolapse.
Exercises that Help Lift the Uterus
Uterine lifting exercises rely on Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn reduce the symptoms of uterine prolapse by tightening the muscles you use to prevent urination. Hold the contraction for 5 seconds, then relax the muscles for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times in three sets per day.
Types of Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse varies in form depending on the degree of prolapse. It is generally divided into four main degrees based on the severity of the prolapse:
- First degree: The uterus descends slightly into the vagina, but does not reach the vaginal opening.
- Second degree: The cervix reaches the vaginal opening but does not protrude.
- Third degree: Part of the uterus protrudes from the vaginal opening.
- Fourth degree: Complete prolapse: The uterus protrudes completely from the vaginal opening.
Summary of the Difference Between Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse
The main difference is that uterine prolapse refers to the uterus descending from its normal position into the vagina, meaning that uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus itself.
Vaginal prolapse is the drooping of the vaginal walls themselves and is often the result of weak ligaments that support the internal organs of the pelvis. It can affect the anterior or posterior vaginal walls.