Q: My mum has been diagnosed of with uterine prolapse. She sees it with the mirror when she spreads her legs. Sometimes she feels it has gone up (back inside). We don’t know the stage. She has been advised to go for surgery, is it the only option? God bless you ma’am.

A: Uterine prolapse occurs when there is a weakening of the support structures for the uterus (womb) leading to it protruding out of the vagina…as appears to be happening in this case. Other symptoms in some people, other than that described already may include difficulty with urinating, back pain, feeling of heaviness in the pelvis etc The causes of this include menopause (due to decrease in the level of estrogen), pregnancy, difficult birth, delivery of a big baby etc People at risk include people who have had any of the listed conditions and people who strain at stool (eg when one has constipation or diarrhea), people who lift heavy things or have had a longstanding cough etc

Is there any other treatment modality except surgery? Yes. First of all, not all cases of uterine prolapsed require treatment. A mild uterine prolapsed which does not really disturb the person who has it does not require treatment except the symptoms worsen with time. For those with symptoms, another alternative to surgery is a device called the vaginal pessary can be slipped into the vagina to hold the uterus in place. This can be left in place for long periods or can be taken out and re-inserted daily. The doctor will advice.

Kegel exercises may help reduce symptoms too. For more on Kegel exrcise, please click on this link:

Daily Health Tips: When Is A Good Time To Resume Sexual Intimacy After Childbirth?

Maintaining a healthy weight, preventing straining at stool, treating long standing coughs etc can help prevent this condition.

It sounds like your mum is not really experiencing symptoms and so this may not require treatment. However, I suggest she be taken to see her doctor who will examine and determine the appropriate way forward.

Have a great night, people 😀