Singaporean women face many risks to their reproductive health, but many of the conditions they suffer from often go unreported out of shame or because they do not fully understand their situation.
One particular condition that can make a major impact on your life is uterine prolapse. How exactly does this affect women, and why should we get help from a gynaecologist in Singapore to solve this problem? Let us discuss what this issue entails so we can better understand how to deal with it.
Uterine Prolapse Explained
Uterine prolapse happens when the uterus drops from its original position into the vaginal canal. This is due to the pelvic muscles and ligaments becoming weaker until they are no longer able to hold the uterus in place.
In mild cases of uterine prolapse, the uterus will still be inside the vagina. However, severe cases have the uterus protruding outside the vaginal opening.
How Can Uterine Prolapse Happen?
There are several possible causes of uterine prolapse, such as:
- Pelvic muscle damage during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in vaginal deliveries
- Lifting heavy objects without proper techniques
- Being chronically constipated (as this makes you constantly strain your pelvic floor)
- Entering menopause (lower oestrogen levels can also weaken pelvic muscles)
Key risk factors of uterine prolapse include:
- Age – Women are more likely to experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse as they grow older.
- Multiple childbirths – Giving birth through vaginal deliveries successively can further weaken the pelvis.
- Obesity – Being severely overweight puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you experience the following symptoms, consider visiting your gynaecologist at their Singapore women’s clinic:
- A constant weight or pressure on your pelvis or vagina
- You cannot fully empty your bladder or are leaking urine
- You notice something bulging in your vagina
- Lower back pain
Uterine Prolapse Is Not Considered Life-Threatening
This condition seems terrifying to have, but there is one silver living – it is generally not an inherently life-threatening condition. However, it can still cause significant inconveniences that hamper your everyday life.
There are Still Dangers Involved
Here are some issues you can experience due to uterine prolapse if it is not managed properly:
- Poorer Bladder and Bowel Functions – The prolapsed uterus puts pressure on the rest of your pelvic organs, including your bladder and bowels. This can exacerbate problems like urinary incontinence and constipation.
- UTI and Kidney Damage – The uterus may also block the ureters as it drops, which can lead to urinary tract and kidney infections.
- Sexual Dysfunction – This problem can also make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or downright painful for women.
- Psychological Impact – Having a prolapsed uterus can also cause body image issues, anxiety about the side effects, and depression due to the discomfort and reduced quality of life.
How Can We Reduce Our Risk?
While risk factors like age cannot be changed, we can still take steps to protect ourselves in other ways:
- Work on losing more weight to reduce the strain on your pelvis.
- Practise pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, to strengthen the pelvic muscles and better support your pelvic organs.
- If you have to lift heavy objects (such as during weight training), learn the proper lifting techniques to minimise the stress placed on your pelvic region.
Ask Your Gynae for Help
If you suspect that you have symptoms or have a higher risk of uterine prolapse, consult a trusted gynaecologist in Singapore. Early diagnosis can improve your chances during treatment.
In mild cases, gynae often create specialised exercise plans to strengthen the pelvic floor. They may also insert a pessary inside the vagina. This is a special device that supports prolapsed pelvic organs.
Do note that surgery may be required for severe cases. This may involve repositioning the uterus or removing it altogether.
Let’s Manage Our Reproductive Health Carefully
Uterine prolapse can be a scary medical condition to encounter, but we can reduce our risk by practising preventative measures and following our gynae’s advice. Understanding your symptoms and treatment options helps you have more control over your health.
Do not hesitate to visit your women’s clinic if you need more help. A healthcare provider’s intervention can make a significant difference in our quality of life.