What does a uterine prolapse involve?

A uterine prolapse, also known as a uterine prolapse called, happens when the muscles and tissues that hold your uterus in place become weak. This can cause your uterus to drop lower in your body, toward the vagina. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a difficult birth, getting older, less estrogen after menopause, or frequent heavy lifting.

How it feels depends on how bad it is. Many women notice a heavy feeling in their abdomen or see something sticking out of their vagina. Other signs include difficulty urinating, urine that you can't hold, constipation, or pain when sex. Fortunately, there are solutions, from simple to operative:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen your pelvis.
Ring: A device in your vagina that supports your uterus.
Operation: Sometimes it's necessary to restore everything.

Taking quick action can make your life a lot better and prevent problems.

Why does uterine prolapse occur?

Several causes can cause your uterus to prolapse, often due to your life cycle or how you age. To suit plays a big role – the pressure on your pelvis during childbirth can weaken your muscles, especially after multiple births. Also the transition doesn't help: less estrogen makes your tissues slacker.

Your lifestyle and health also play a role. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your pelvis, while long-term constipation or a lot of coughing (for example due to smoking) can make it worse. Yet few women talk about it easily. Here is an overview of the culprits:

Rode	How it works
To suit	Pressure relaxes your pelvis
Transition	Less estrogen, weaker tissues
Too heavy	More pressure in your abdomen
Blockage	Pressing puts strain on your pelvis

By paying attention to these things – such as losing weight, living healthily, or tackling coughing – you can reduce your risks. Good information helps you move forward.

How do you notice a uterine prolapse?

It's not always easy to know if your uterus has prolapsed, but there are signs that you should take seriously. Common is a pressing feeling in the lower abdomen, as if something wants to come out. This becomes stronger after standing for a long time or in the evening. Heavy lifting can also make it worse. Problems with urination or emptying your bowels are also hints, as are bladder infections that keep coming back.

Pay attention to your body. Think of urination that stops and starts again, back pain that continues, or:

Pain during sex
Strange discharge
Something you see near your vagina

Do you recognize this? Go to a doctor. Quick intervention keeps it under control. Small changes at home can help. At Midwives Lelystad we know all about it.

How do you deal with a uterine prolapse?

A prolapsed uterus can really disrupt your day, but there are ways to manage it. Start with pelvic exercises – they make your muscles stronger and give support. A physiotherapist can show you how.

Also adjust your daily life On:

Eat fiber and drink plenty of fluids – this keeps your intestines supple.
Keep your weight healthy – extra pounds weigh you down.
Lift smart – use your legs, not your back.

This way you will feel fewer complaints and it will not get worse.

Tips to prevent subsidence

You can't stop everything, but smart steps make a difference. Stay on a good weight – too many kilos put a strain on your pelvis. Eat healthy and exercise enough. Also make sure fibres to keep your bowels easy.

Make your pelvic floor strong with exercises, preferably with a physiotherapist. Do this not only around a pregnancy, but always. Here is what you can try:

Excercise	How	How many
Cones	Squeeze your pelvis and release	3x 10 times
Bridges	Lie down, hips up	5x 10 seconds
Squats	Bend your knees	2x 15 times

A doctor can help you personally – this way you stay fit and strong.

Finally

We hope you now understand what uterine prolapse is, why it happens, and how to manage or prevent it. You are not alone – many women have this, and there is help.

At Verloskundigen Lelystad in De Koploper, we are there for you with advice and care. Do you have doubts or do you want to know more? Call us - we are ready to help you, always with attention.

Take good care of yourself – we love to see you!