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Uterine prolapse - Prevention

Alternative Names

Pelvic relaxation; Pelvic floor hernia

Prevention:

Tightening the pelvic floor muscles using Kegel exercises helps to strengthen the muscles and reduces the risk of uterine prolapse.

Estrogen therapy, either vaginal or oral, in postmenopausal women may help maintain connective tissue and muscle tone.

Female reproductive anatomy

Uterus

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lentz, GM. Anatomic Defects of the Abdominal Wall and Pelvic Floor: Abdominal and Inguinal Hernias, Cystocele, Urethrocele, Enterocele, Rectocele, Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse, and Rectal Incontinence: Diagnosis and Management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds. Katz: Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.

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