prolapse

Uterine prolapse is when the uterus has dropped from its normal position in the body, which leaves the cervix closer to the opening of the vagina and in some cases leaves it protruding from the vagina. In a mild case of Uterine prolapse all of the cervix remains inside of the vagina.



In a more serious case of prolapse the uterus will end up sitting very close to the opening of the vagina and in very serious cases of Uterine prolapse some part of the uterus or all of it will be protruding from the vagina. Prolapse of the vaginal wall is extremely common in cases of uterine prolapse.

Pathophysiology:
A weakness in pelvic support (usually involving the muscles and ligaments) is the most common cause of uterine prolapse. In adult women uterine prolapse generally results from some type of obstetrical issue (the stress of carrying twins for example) and complications during labor and the delivery of their child/children. In infant girls it is most often caused by some type of congenital defect.

Frequency:
* In the US: Pelvic support defect issues are fairly common and tend to increase with women who have given birth to multiples or several single births and women of advanced ages.

Mortality/Morbidity:
Serious illness can result due to uterine prolapse , this usually occurs secondary to problems with the bowels, bladder, or sexual issues.

Sex:
Uterine prolapse is a medical condition only affecting females..

Age:
Women who have given birth to multiples and women suffering from menopause are the two groups most likely to be affected by Uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse can occasionally be seen in younger women and women who have never given birth and are rarely seen in infant girls.

Causes:
*increased abdominal pressure (resulting from conditions such as chronic lung ailments, obesity and issues relating to asthma)

*decreased levels of estrogen (generally brought on by the onset of menopause)

*trauma due to obstetrical issues (multiple fetuses, high infant weights can be some causes)

*congenital ailments reducing pelvic support (spina biffida in infants has been associated with this)