Genital Prolapse in Women: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments

Introduction

There is a lot of silence and stigma concerning women and their health, particularly intimate health. Genital prolapse is one such phenomenon that most women in India are silent sufferers of and hardly talk about. It may lead to physical pain, psychological strain, and a decline in life quality. Fortunately, genital prolapse can be treated successfully due to medical development. This article is a well-researched, search engine optimized, and user-friendly guide on all you need to know about genital prolapse, the causes, symptoms, treatment, and remedies of genital prolapse, specifically for Indians.

What is Genital Prolapse?

Genital prolapse is the result of a situation in which the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, or rectum) lose their usual position and protrude through the vagina. This is due to the fact that the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor become weak and no longer help to carry the organs.

Genital prolapse is a common condition occurring in the following forms:
Prolapse of the uterus (uterus is pushed down the vagina)
Cystocele (bladder protrudes onto the vaginal wall)
Rectocele (the bulge of the rectum in the vagina)
Enterocele (small intestine imprints into the vaginal wall)
The Importance of Genital Prolapse Treatment.

Lack of attention to cases of genital prolapse may cause severe health and emotional difficulties. The reason why treatment is necessary is that it:

Avoids urinary and bowel problems.
Relieves pain and discomfort in the sexual process.
Enhances human quality of life and self-esteem.
Prevent additional complications such as chronic infections or damaged organs.

To the Indian women, treatment is more essential since social silence on reproductive health usually slows down diagnosis and treatment.

Do We Need Genital Prolapse Surgery?

Genital prolapse normally attacks:
Women who are above 40 years old experience changes in their hormones after menopause.
Mothers who had more than one vaginal birth.
Women who had a family history of weak muscles of the pelvis.
Individuals who engage in heavy physical activities.
Obese women, those with chronic cough, and those with constipation.

The rural women in India are more prone to this problem because of early marriages, childbearing, and the absence of medical education.

What is the Prevalence of Genital Prolapse among Indian Women?

Research in India indicates that close to 30-35% of Indian women over 40 years are experiencing some sort of genital prolapse. Unluckily, there are a lot of cases when they do not seek medical help because of shyness or stigma, or even ignorance.

Data gathered by a 2022 health survey revealed that one out of every 4 Indian women above 50 years old has pelvic organ prolapse symptoms.

The rural women are more affected because of hard labor and a lack of care from their mothers.

This further increases the need for awareness and treatment.

What is the age of onset of Genital Prolapse?
Genital prolapse may begin at various ages due to health and lifestyle:
Following labor, particularly when there were complications or multiple conceptions.
During menopause, when the estrogen level is reduced, the muscles in the pelvis are weak.
Naturally, wear and tear of muscles occurs in old age.

In some women, the symptoms might manifest themselves in their 30s or 40s, but it become serious after menopause.

Symptoms and Problems: Genital Prolapse.

Genital prolapse does not necessarily present itself immediately. Common symptoms include:

The sensation of a bulge or lump in the vagina.
Pelvis heaviness or dragging sensation.
Problem with urination or bowel movements.
Suffering or being uncomfortable during sex.
Lower back pain
Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Such complications can deteriorate and cause severe organ damage, chronic infection, and limitations in lifestyle if they are not treated.

Treatment and Prolapse Solutions to Genital Prolapse.

Lifestyle Changes
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid heavy lifting
Cure persistent cough and constipation.
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises)

In the early phases of prolapse, strengthening of the pelvic muscles may be done as a result of Kegel exercises.

Pessary Device

A pessary is a small object that is placed in the vagina to support organs. It is a non-operative form of treatment.

Hormone Therapy

In postmenopausal women, estrogen therapy can enhance the strength of muscles and lessen symptoms.

Surgical Treatment

Where there are extreme cases, surgery is the most appropriate. Options include:

Removal of uterus (hysterectomy).
Uterine suspension surgery (suspension of the uterus without excision)
Bladder or rectum reconstructive surgery.
Surgery is not very dangerous and has long-term benefits.
Preventive Measures for Women.
Prevention is relevant in the minimization of prolapse cases:
Receive adequate maternal care before and after pregnancy.
Do pelvic exercises on a regular basis.
Early marriages and frequent pregnancies should be avoided.
Create awareness of women's health in rural locations.
Periodical gynaecological examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is genital prolapse self-limiting?
No, it is generally making things worse. The exercises can be useful during the initial phases; however, most of the time, medical care is needed.

Q2. Is genital prolapse exclusive to elderly women?
Nay, younger women may get it after childbirth or heavy labour.

Q3. Is surgery the only solution?
Not always. In the mild cases, pessary devices, exercises, and hormone therapy could work. Severe conditions are dealt with by surgery.

Q4. Does genital prolapse have any impact on pregnancy?
Yes, it is likely to lead to complications. A gynecologist should be consulted by women planning pregnancy to obtain treatment.

Q5. What makes me know whether I have genital prolapse?
Gynecologist: In case a vaginal bulge, heaviness, and difficulty with urination/bowel movements are experienced, seek the advice of the gynecologist.

Conclusion

The treatment of genital prolapse is an essential procedure to enhance women's health, and more particularly in India, where a significant number endure in silent agony. Women can have better and healthier lives through proper knowledge, lifestyle modification, medical interventions, and surgical treatments.

The symptoms, such as vaginal bulge, heaviness, or discomfort, must not be disregarded by any woman. Serious complications can be avoided by timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Indian women should stop being silent and get medical attention and recover their health.