Prolapse of the Uterus
Prolapse of the uterus refers to the downward displacement
of the vagina and uterus. The word prolapse is derived from the latin procidere
which means with effect to fall. This disorder is more common in our country
than in the western world. The uterus is held in position by adequate ligaments.
Besides, it has the support of the muscular structures of vagina and all other
local tissues and muscles. Due to the laxity of support by muscles, tissue and
ligaments, the uterus sags downwards.
Symptoms
A woman suffering from prolapse of a uterus feels
that something is coming down through the vagina. She feels a sense of fullness
in the region of the bladder and rectum. Other symptoms include dragging
discomfort in the lower abdomen, low backache, heavy menses and milk vaginal
discharge. There is also an increase in the frequency of urination and the
patient feels difficulty in total emptying of the bladder. There may also be a
burning sensation due to infection. The woman may experience difficulty in
passing stools and complete evacuation of bowels. These symptoms become more
pronounced before and during menstruation. The condition may also result in
difficulty in normal sexual intercourse and sometimes sterility.
Causes
There are several factors which contribute to the
displacement of the uterus. These include continuous distension of the
intestines with gas or excess food materials, leading to constant downward
pressure on the womb, chronic constipation leading to pressure from behind from
an over-filled colon, tight clothing especially tight corsets, constant
stooping, and a weakened condition of the internal muscles of the abdomen,
through lack of exercise and bodily weakness.
Some of the other
important factors responsible for prolapse of the uterus are prolonged
labour, an interference in the delivery by inexpert people, lack of proper rest
and diet in post-natal periods, repeated deliveries and manual work. An
increased weight of the womb, tumours of the uterus, traction of the uterus and
surgical injuries can also lead to this disorder. Menopausal atrophy may also
precipitate it.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent prolapse of uterus than cure
it after its occurrence. The measures to prevent it should include good
antenatal care in pregnancy, proper management and timely intervention during
delivery, good postnatal care with proper rest, correct diet and appropriate exercise
so as to strengthen the pelvic musculature.
Treatment
Treatment of displaced womb must consist mainly of a
suitable diet and exercise. The diet should be so planned as should aim at
building up the internal musculature of the body. Of course, any tendency
towards tight lacing, constant stooping, and heavy lifting must be carefully guarded
against, once a natural regime is undertaken, as these will automatically tend
to hold up the success of the treatment.
To begin with the patient should adopt an all-fruit
diet for about five days. During this period she should take three meals
consisting of juicy fruits such as orange, apple, pineapple, grapes at five hourly
intervals. The bowel should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema.
After the all-fruit diet, the patient should
gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, based on three basic food groups,
namely, (i) seeds, nuts and grains (ii) vegetables and (iii) fruits. The all-fruit
diet should be repeated for three days at monthly intervals till the condition
improves. Carrots have proved useful in the treatment of prolapse of the
uterus. For prolpase of the uterus, pulped carrots should be placed in a muslin
bag and inserted in a vagina. This should be kept for some time using fresh
carrots every 12 hours. This will heal and strengthen the parts and help greatly
in preventing any further disorders in the female reproductive system.
A hot Epsom salts bath is also beneficial in the
treatment of prolapse of the uterus and should be undertaken twice a week. This
bath is prepared by dissolving one or one and half kg. of Epsom-salt in an
ordinary bath of hot water. The patient should remain immersed in the bath from
ten to twenty minutes. This bath should be taken just before retiring to bed
and care should be exercised not to get chilled afterwards. No soaps should be
used with the bath as it will interfere with its beneficial effects. The
alternate hot and cold hip bath are also useful and should be undertaken at
night on alternate days.
Exercise
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic musculature are
extremely useful in the treatment of prolapse of the uterus. Lying on a couch
with the legs raised higher than the rest of the body is very helpful in
relieving pain and discomfort from a displaced womb. This should be done from
half an hour to an hour two or three times daily. The feet should be raised
about eighteen inches by placing cushions under them. When this is not possible
the patient can sit on a chair with a foot on another chair. The more this can
be done during the day, the better will it be in every way.
The patient should also perform other exercises aimed
at strengthening the abdominal muscles. These exercises will help greatly in
correcting the displacement of the uterus. Women should always take precautions
to space out their children so as to prevent repeated successive deliveries.
This will allow the genital issues to regain their strength and vitality and thereby
prevent prolapse of the uterus.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through www.scribd.com
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