Uterine Prolapse
The uterus lies in the pelvic cavity supporeted by connective tissue and pubococcygeus muscle. Uterine Prolapse is a condition where the uterus slides from its normal position into the vaginal cavity. This can be attributed to loss of muscle tone or weakening of the muscles holding the uterus against the pelvic wall. Uterine prolapse can occur due to ageing or childbirth trauma on account of large babies or difficult labor. Other causes for uterine prolapse include pelvic tumor, obesity and chronic constipation. Lack of exercise and tight corsets can lead to uterine prolapse. Lack of adequate rest in the post pregnancy stage or heavy manual work can lead to uterine prolapse.
A woman suffering from uterine prolapse suffers lower back pain. There is a feeling of bearing down or heaviness in the pelvis. There may be increased frequency in urination and pain during sexual intercourse. A woman might suffer discomfort in the lower abdomen and heavy menstrual periods. Difficulty in passing stools, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infection might be noticed due to complications owing to uterine prolapse. A pelvic examination reveals any uterine prolopse or protusion of the cervix ino the lower part of the vagina.
Treatment for uterine prolapse depends on the degree of prolapse and the woman's age and general health condition. Vaginal pessaries may be able to hold the uterus in place for mild uterine prolapse. But there may be side-effects such as irritating and foul smelling discharge and ulcerations. Kegels exercises can go a long way in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Hormone therapy such as estrogen replacement can prevent further weakening of the pelvic muscles. Hysterectomy is the surgical option to treat uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse can be prevented with good antenatal care and proper rest and folowing correct lifting techniques.
Read up additional information on Kegels exercise
Gynecologist
Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in women's health. They primarily deal with diseases relating to the female reproductive organs. Obstetricians are doctors who also specialize in women's health and focus more on management of pregnancy and childbirth. It is pretty common to see that gynaecologists are obstetricians and vice-versa. Gynecologists have to complete medical school and then further specialize in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. Modern days have seen both these services clubbed together and practiced together. Gynecologists/obstetricians carry out the following tasks:
Examine pregnant women and ensure their pregnancy is proceeding well. They advice women on the various conditions they face during the pregnancy phase.
They give specialized treatments for the patients as recommended by their general physicians and perform surgeries in the required patients.
They advice the patients on the various contraception methods available and suggest the on best suitable for them.
Give specialized treatment for infertility either through medications or surgical processes.
Deliver babies either through normal deliveries or caesarean sections.
Check on the health of the mother and the infant during and after the delivery.
They treat conditions like amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods) and dysmenorrhoea (agonizing menstrual periods).
Treat cancer in the reproductive organs such as uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina etc.
Latest techniques employed in gynecology
The use of latest technology in the field of gynecology/obstetrics has made it easier for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological disorders
Vaginal scans have paved way to study the cervix ovaries, uterus and its contents in a detailed manner.
Pap smear helps check for any abnormal changes in the cervix cells called dysplasia.
Laparoscopy is another advancement that helps in processes like hysterectomy.
MRI and CAT scans are used to study uterine malformation etc.
Vaginal swabs are used to study bacterial growth.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that attach themselves to the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids may vary in size from microscopic fibroids to fibroids that occupy the entire uterine cavity. Uterine fibroids may appear as one or many. They often grow and enlarge over time and extend beyond the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids are painful menstrual cycles and pelvic cramps. There may be abdominal fulness and increased urine frequency. In some women, there may no apparent symptoms to indicate uterine fibroids. Women suffering from uterine fibroids may notice backache and leg pain. There is heavy menstrual bleeding. The symptoms depend on the location of the uterine fibroids.
Fibroids have been associated with changing levels of estrogen hormones. With menopause, uterine fibroids shrink on account of the reduced levels of estrogen. A doctor will conduct a pelvic examination to detect fibroids in the uterus. Ultrasound helps in better visualization of the uterine cavity. Hysterosalpingography involves use of dye to observe the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
Most often uterine fibroids are left untreated. If the fibroids are growing too rapidly or causing abnormal bleeding, then suitable treatment will need to be adopted. In some cases, uterine fibroids affect fertility. Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the age of the woman and severity of symptoms. Surgical options to treat uterine fibroids involve myomectomy (removal of fibroids leaving uterus intact). A hysterectomy is performed in post-menopausal women. Uterine artery embolization (UAE)involves using imaging techniques to locate and block the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. Sometimes medication is prescribed to lower estrogen levels. But they have disturbing side-effects.
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