uterus
The uterus is a hollow muscle bag that exists in the mammalian females to develop the embryo resulting from the fertilization of the egg. It consists of three parts: the uterus, the uterus, and the cervix. The uterus resembles the shape of the pear and its neck is open on the vagina. It is formed from the epithelium of the uterus, the uterine muscle and the inner part of the lining of the uterus. The superficial part of the lining of the uterus is the part that loses every menstrual cycle in the form of menstruation if the pregnancy does not occur. It is prepared to fertilize the egg if fertilized in the endometrium.
The descent of the uterus
The uterus is located in the pelvic area, which consists of the adrenal muscle, the peritoneum, the perineal membrane, and the uterine ligament, including the inner pelvic ligament and the sacral ligament;
Where the uterus and the surrounding organs settle in place by means of these ligaments and muscles in the pelvic area. If these ligaments are stretched and weakened, it threatens the uterus support and causes the fall and instability of the uterus, which can even lead to the uterus coming down from the opening of the vagina.
Symptoms of uterine descent
Because there are several degrees of uterine descent, the symptoms that may appear on a patient may differ from the symptoms that another patient may suffer. In simple cases, there may be no symptoms. This condition is detected through periodic screening. In cases Severe, the patient may suffer from one of the following symptoms:
Causes of uterine descent and risk factors
There are many causes that may cause the descent of the uterus, and several risk factors can lead to the incidence of uterine prolapse as a result of age:
- Aging: The ligaments supporting the uterus and pelvic muscles weaken with age, leading to increased risk of uterine prolapse.
- Pregnancy, especially the birth of twins, or the birth of children with a large weight, length and severity of the period of labor; they are also factors that increase the risk of infection of the uterus.
- Hormonal changes that occur during menopause, and poor pelvic tissue due to lack of estrogen.
- Significant increase in weight, leading to increased pressure on the pelvis.
- Undergo surgery in the pelvic area.
- Carry heavy objects, and do work that requires physical effort.
- Constipation, and chronic cough lead to an increased risk of falling of the uterus, because it is tensile to the muscles of the abdomen and pelvis, which increases the pressure inside the abdomen.
- Genetic factors lead to weakness in the connective tissue.
Degrees of uterine descent
There are several degrees of decline of the uterus; according to the degree of uterine drop is the treatment, as for the degrees of descent of the uterus are:
- First degree: To lower the cervix and reach the middle of the opening of the vagina.
- Step 2: Lower the cervix and reach the opening of the vagina.
- Third degree: The cervix is hanging out of the vaginal opening.
- Step 4: All the uterus and the anterior and posterior wall should be outside the vaginal opening.
Diagnosis of uterine descent
It is easy to see the uterus hanging from the vaginal opening, and to assess the degree of progression to choose the appropriate treatment. The pelvic examination is performed by increasing the intra-abdominal pressure by tensile pressure As if the patient is trying to get out; to know the point at which the uterus hanging, in addition to evaluating the strength of the muscles of the basin; this examination is sufficient to know the symptoms of the person and how it affects the life of the patient, but the doctor can resort to ultrasound imaging of the CKD of no other problems in the pelvis.
Treatment of uterine descent
In the case of first degree, or when the patient does not show symptoms of the descent of the uterus, the treatment is not necessary, but the patient can follow healthier lifestyles and reduce weight if they are overweight, and exercises that strengthen the pelvic area and vaginal muscles These exercises are called exercises Kegel exercises, avoiding risk factors like lifting heavy objects, and women can be replaced by menopause if estrogen is the cause of the uterus.
In advanced cases of uterine prolapse, there are several options for treatment, including the use of Vaginal Pessary (Vaginal Pessary), which lift the uterus to its place, and comes in several forms and sizes, including what is permanent, including what is temporary use, The patient can remove them at night and enter them during the day, but vaginal penetration is not used in severe cases of hysterectomy. Vaginal dilation can cause ulcers and irritation of the vagina, which may affect the marital relationship.
Another option is surgical treatment, which is resorted to when other methods fail. Surgical treatment is based on the patient’s desire to completely remove or repair the uterus. If the patient is young, she may prefer to keep the uterus repaired and if it is too old, .
Prevention of uterine descent
Prevention of hysterectomy can be prevented by:
- Strengthen the muscles of the pelvis through exercise, especially Kegel exercises, and exercise to strengthen the pelvic muscles after childbearing.
- Weight Loss.
- Change lifestyle to a more healthy style.
- Eat dietary fiber that reduces constipation.
- Avoid weight lifting and heavy loads.
- If the patient is coughing due to bronchitis, for example, cough should be controlled.