A prolapsed uterus, a condition where the uterus slips from its normal position into the vaginal canal, can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. This condition often arises due to weakened pelvic support structures, which may result from factors such as childbirth, aging, or chronic stress on the pelvic muscles. Symptoms commonly associated with uterine prolapse include a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, urinary difficulties, and vaginal bulging or discomfort. Addressing a prolapsed uterus is crucial not only for relieving these distressing symptoms but also for improving overall well-being. While medical intervention is often necessary, women can also find relief through effective home management strategies that can complement professional treatment. This article explores ways to manage a prolapsed uterus at home.

Understanding Uterine Prolapse

Causes and Risk Factors

Uterine prolapse occurs when the pelvic muscles and ligaments that support the uterus weaken, causing the uterus to descend into or protrude out of the vaginal canal. Several factors can contribute to this weakening of support structures:

Childbirth: The process of labor and delivery can stretch and damage the pelvic floor muscles. Multiple pregnancies and vaginal deliveries increase the risk.

Aging: As women age, especially after menopause, the tissues and muscles supporting the uterus can become less resilient, making prolapse more likely.

Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the pelvic organs, which can contribute to the weakening of pelvic support tissues.

Diagnosis

Recognizing the symptoms of uterine prolapse is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. Common signs include:

Pelvic Pressure or Heaviness: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region is often reported.

Urinary Issues: Problems such as frequent urination, urgency, or incontinence can occur.

Vaginal Bulging or Discomfort: Some women notice a bulging sensation or experience discomfort in the vaginal area.

If these symptoms are present, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis. A gynecological examination will confirm the presence of prolapse and help determine its severity.

Initial Steps for Prolapsed Treatment at Home 

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care

Managing a prolapsed uterus effectively often involves making strategic lifestyle changes and adopting self-care practices. These adjustments not only help alleviate symptoms but also strengthen the pelvic support structures. Here are key strategies to consider:

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for reducing the pressure on the pelvic organs. Excess weight can exacerbate symptoms of uterine prolapse and strain the pelvic support structures.

• Tips for Weight Management: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help manage weight and improve overall health.
• Benefits: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your pelvic floor, which may help alleviate the severity of prolapse symptoms and prevent further progression.

Dietary Adjustments

Dietary changes can play a significant role in managing uterine prolapse, especially in preventing constipation, which can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor.

• High-Fiber Foods: Incorporate plenty of high-fiber foods into your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Fiber helps ensure regular bowel movements and reduces straining during defecation.
• Avoiding Excessive Strain: Being mindful of your diet can help prevent constipation, which is beneficial for managing prolapse symptoms. Drinking adequate fluids and avoiding foods that may cause digestive issues are also recommended.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegel exercises, play a crucial role in strengthening the muscles that support the uterus. These exercises target the pelvic floor muscles, which can become weakened due to childbirth, aging, or other factors.

• How to Perform Kegel Exercises: To locate your pelvic floor muscles, try stopping the flow of urine mid-stream. The muscles you engage are the ones targeted in Kegel exercises. To perform a Kegel exercise, tighten these muscles, hold for 5-10 seconds, and then relax for an equal amount of time. Aim for 10-15 repetitions, three times a day.
• Benefits: Regular practice of Kegel exercises can improve muscle tone, support the pelvic organs better, and reduce symptoms of prolapse. Consistency is key to seeing positive results.

Using Supportive Devices

For women managing a prolapsed uterus, supportive devices can offer significant relief and improve quality of life. Two primary types of supportive devices are vaginal pessaries and support garments. These tools can be particularly effective in providing symptomatic relief and helping to manage the condition.

Vaginal Pessaries

A vaginal pessary is a removable device inserted into the vagina to provide structural support and hold the uterus in its proper position. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, and their use can be tailored to individual needs.

• What a Pessary Is and How It Works: A pessary functions as a mechanical support that helps to prevent the uterus from descending further. By maintaining proper alignment, it alleviates the pressure and discomfort associated with prolapse.
• Types of Pessaries and Their Uses: There are several types of pessaries, including ring pessaries, doughnut pessaries, and Gellhorn pessaries, each designed to address different types of prolapse. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best type based on your specific condition and needs.
• When to Seek Professional Help for Fitting: Proper fitting is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. If you experience any discomfort or if the pessary seems to be ineffective, consult your healthcare provider for adjustments or a different type of pessary.

Support Garments

Support garments are another practical option for managing uterine prolapse. These specially designed garments provide external support to the pelvic area, helping to stabilize and reduce pressure on the pelvic organs.

• Overview of Pelvic Support Garments: Pelvic support garments are designed to offer additional support to the pelvic region. They can help alleviate discomfort and provide stability to the pelvic structures.
• Benefits and Proper Use: These garments can be particularly useful during physical activities or prolonged periods of standing. To maximize their benefits, wear them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure a proper fit for optimal support.

Using FemiCushion for Managing Uterine Prolapse at Home

FemiCushion is a prolapse supportive device designed to help manage all types of pelvic organ prolapse including uterine prolapse at home. It features a cushion that provides targeted support to the prolapsed organ, helping to alleviate discomfort and prolapse symptoms. It offers gentle and consistent pressure to support the uterus and reduce symptoms.

FemiCushion Medical Study

A study conducted at Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research examined the effectiveness of FemiCushion in treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The research involved twelve participants aged between 56 and 84, all suffering from severe stages 3 or 4 of POP.

Key findings from the study include:

• FemiCushion proved highly effective in repositioning prolapsed pelvic organs.
• The device produced results comparable to those of a pessary but with fewer risks, such as vaginal erosion and bleeding.
• FemiCushion not only lifted the prolapsed organs but also supported the perineal body and closed the hiatuses.
• Users with severe POP experienced a significant reduction in prolapse severity after using FemiCushion.
• Improvements in POP were observed even with just one month of use.

 These results highlight FemiCushion’s potential as a non-invasive alternative to pessaries for managing POP, offering similar benefits while reducing associated risks. The study suggests promising advancements in treating severe pelvic organ prolapse. 

When to Seek Professional Help

While many aspects of managing a prolapsed uterus can be addressed through lifestyle modifications and home care, there are crucial situations where seeking professional medical help is essential. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider can make a significant difference in effectively managing the condition and preventing complications.

Signs That Home Treatment Is Insufficient

Despite best efforts with home treatments and self-care practices, there may be times when symptoms persist or worsen. Key indicators that it may be time to seek professional help include:

• Increasing Symptoms: If you notice that your symptoms of prolapse, such as pelvic pressure, urinary issues, or vaginal bulging, are becoming more severe or frequent, it may be a sign that home treatments alone are not sufficient.
• New or Worsening Symptoms: The development of new symptoms or a significant worsening of existing symptoms, such as severe pelvic pain, difficulty urinating or defecating, or noticeable changes in vaginal bulging, warrants a professional evaluation. These changes could indicate a progression of the prolapse or other underlying issues that require medical attention.

Professional Treatment Options

When home management strategies are not enough, professional treatment options can provide effective solutions. These may include:

• Surgical Interventions: For cases where prolapse is severe or does not improve with conservative measures, surgical options may be recommended. Procedures such as pelvic reconstructive surgery or hysterectomy can provide long-term relief by repairing or removing affected tissues. A gynecologist can discuss the various surgical options available and help determine the best approach based on your specific condition.
• Non-Surgical Medical Treatments: In addition to surgery, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy with a specialist in pelvic floor dysfunction or the use of advanced pessaries may be considered. These treatments can offer targeted support and potentially improve symptoms without the need for surgery.

Effectively managing a prolapsed uterus at home is possible and it can involve a blend of self-care and professional guidance. Incorporating pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and using supportive devices like pessaries can provide significant relief. However, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with home treatments, seeking professional help is essential. A healthcare provider can evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options, and develop a tailored plan for effective management.

Supervising Doctor of This Article

Koichi Nagao, MD PhD

Professor, Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
Director of Urinary tract reconstruction center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Director of Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center

Professor Nagao specializes in plastic surgery in the field of reproductive medicine. He completed eight years of plastic surgery training at Showa University before majoring in urology at Toho University. With his meticulous surgical techniques and careful examinations that combines urology and plastic surgery, Professor Nagao became a Board Certified Specialist with multiple associations including the Japanese Urological Association, the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine.