Is a Hysterectomy the Best Solution for Uterine Prolapse?

Nearly half of all women over age 50 have some level of uterine prolapse. It’s an extremely common condition that develops when your uterus descends from its normal position in your pelvis and protrudes into your vaginal canal.

Uterine prolapse doesn’t always cause symptoms. But for many women, it’s a source of discomfort, pain, and difficulty with urination or bowel movements.

If you have symptoms of uterine prolapse, our team at Women’s Health Services in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, are ready to help. We specialize in hysterectomy, and we’re here to help you decide if it’s the best solution for you.

Common symptoms of uterine prolapse

Your pelvic floor is a network of muscles and ligaments that support your pelvic organs, including your uterus. Prolapse happens when your pelvic floor gets too weak, and your uterus starts to sink toward your vaginal canal.

The most common causes of uterine prolapse are pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and simply getting older.

Symptoms of uterine prolapse range from mild to severe. A few of the most common symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in your pelvis
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
• Lower back pain

Uterine prolapse can be uncomfortable, and symptoms can limit your quality of life. Fortunately, you have treatment options.

How to find the best solution for your symptoms

If you’re suffering symptoms of uterine prolapse, we can diagnose your condition with a pelvic exam. We evaluate the severity of your prolapse and review your medical history to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Nonsurgical treatments for uterine prolapse

We often start by recommending conservative, nonsurgical treatment for mild to moderate prolapse. These treatments can include pelvic floor exercises like kegels, weight loss, or a pessary, which is a device inserted into your vagina to support your uterus.

When to consider a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse

Nonsurgical treatment can be very effective for symptoms of uterine prolapse. But if you’re suffering from a severe prolapse that’s causing you significant discomfort, a hysterectomy might be best for you.

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. It might be a good option for you if:

• Nonsurgical interventions have failed to improve your symptoms
• You have significant discomfort or pain
• The prolapse affects your quality of life
• Your uterus is severely prolapsed and can no longer be supported

We perform hysterectomy with various techniques, including laparoscopic, vaginal, or abdominal approaches. During your hysterectomy, we remove your uterus, which effectively eliminates the prolapse and associated symptoms.

Your recovery time varies depending on which procedure we perform, but you should be able to resume your normal activities within about six weeks. We monitor your recovery, and we’re available to answer any questions you may have about the healing process.

If you’re living with symptoms of uterine prolapse, it’s time to find out if hysterectomy is a good option for you. Schedule a consultation with our team by booking an appointment online now.