Indeed, most women experience uterine prolapse - especially
as they grow old or after delivery. It is indeed a condition where the pelvic
floor muscles weaken and thereby cause the uterus to slide out from its normal
position and fall into the vaginal canal. The prolapse fundamentally
concentrates on pelvic health; however, many women often ask if it causes
symptoms elsewhere in the body, like swollen feet. So let's begin talking about
a prolapsed uterus and foot swelling. We will be discussing this further, with
the underlying mechanisms of this condition, associated symptoms and treatments
available.
What is a Prolapsed Uterus?
A prolapsed uterus is caused by the weakening of pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs. This can be due to several reasons, such as:
- Childbirth: The mechanical tension and stress of childbirth
can seriously weaken the pelvic support structures. Women who have borne
several pregnancies and carried their babies in the vagina may be especially at
risk.
- Change in hormonal levels: Estrogen levels are lowered by
menopause. Withdrawal of estrogen weakens the pelvic tissues, as well as
increases susceptibility to prolapse.
- Obesity: Additional body weight exerts stresses on the
pelvic floor, which tend to weaken it.
- Chronic coughing or straining. Conditions causing chronic
coughing or significant constipation can place a persistent strain on the
pelvic floor, weakening it over time.
Common Prolapsed Uterus Symptoms
Symptoms may manifest themselves in women with a prolapsed
uterus in any of the following ways:
Pelvic fullness or feeling of pressure:
Many women feel that their pelvis is full or may notice to
protrude from the vagina entrance. This more and more women do so as the
prolapse worsens.
Urinary Incontinence or Urgency
There is involuntary
leakage or the urge to urinate due to the strain on the bladder.
Pain during Intercourse
The vast majority of women experience pain during
intercourse
Back Pain
There is chronic back pain because of changed posture and
pelvic tilt by most women
Abnormal Bowel Movement
Constipation or bowel movement may be abnormal.
Association of Prolapsed Uterus with Swelling of Feet
While the more obvious symptoms of a prolapsed uterus are contained
to the pelvis, most women who have this condition experience swelling in their
feet and ankles. As a consideration of swelling related to a prolapsed uterus,
swelling is not directly caused by the condition itself but may be
conceptualized in relation to the following hypothetical mechanisms:
Pelvic Congestion
The prolapsed uterus increases the intrapelvic pressure. In
any case, an increased pressure would interfere with the normal flow of blood,
leading to fluid in the lower limbs and edema on the feet and ankles.
Impaired Drainage of lymph
Lymphatic’s is associated with fluid balance and circulation.
The dropped uterus may also obstruct the lymphatic fluid in the pelvic region
resulting in accumulation of fluids. If the circulation of the lymphatic fluid
is blocked than probably there will be some problem with the fluid retention
and swelling in the legs.
Hormonal Factors
The changes that the prolapsed uterus, like when a woman is
passing through menopause, cause hormonal changes. Changes in fluid retention
also result from hormonal changes that consist of the loss of estrogen, which
causes swelling in other parts of the body, for example, in the legs.
View More: Causes And Natural Treatments For Burning Feet
Less Activity
The apparently sedentary lifestyle created by the pain or
discomfort caused by the prolapsed uterus keeps the women away from their usual
activities. Fluids circulate poorly in the extremities of the body and swell
up, especially the feet.
Other Causes of Swollen Feet
Though a prolapsed uterus can cause swelling in the feet,
there are so many things you should know behind other causes that may have led
to it. Here are some common causes to consider.
Heart Conditions
Fluid retention can be caused due to heart diseases. Such a
heart disease could be heart failure. In heart failure, the heart will not pump
the blood efficiently. The blood may back up then into the veins. This commonly
causes a backlog in the regions of the veins present in legs and feet. Due to
this the process being so slow, the legs and feet become puffy.
Kidney Problems
Consult a doctor if fluid accumulation is unrelenting and
urination is altered. You can also have problems with body fluid balance
because of the dysfunction of the liver. Such a condition as cirrhosis causes
edema, mostly in the lower extremities. If you ever had edema combined with
symptoms of jaundice, seek medical attention.
Venous Insufficiency
This happens because the veins cannot easily push the blood
back towards the heart. Fluid accumulation occurs in the legs and lower portion
of the feet, causing swelling, which is generally visible.
Treatment and Diagnosis of a Prolapsed Uterus
The medical professional will assess you and conduct a
physical evaluation, which may involve:
- Physical assessment
- Imaging Tests
- Blood Tests
Treatment of Prolapsed Uterus
In treating a prolapsed uterus, there are differences as to
the extent and, the attendant symptoms of prolapse. Here are some common ones:
Pelvic Floor Exercises
In order to make the pelvic muscles stronger, one is
supposed to perform Kegel exercises as a result of this. Such movements help or
aid the uterus and get rid of some things.
Pessary
A pessary is an intravaginal apparatus used to reinforce
support for the uterus with a view of halting further prolapse. Controlling the
symptoms without surgery is frequently sufficient in achieving effectiveness. The
most effective alternative to surgery is this one for women who do not want the
surgical option.
Hormonal Therapy
Women undergoing symptom-related phases of menopause may be
treated with hormones for pelvic support.
Surgery
This is necessary in some cases where it is essentially
required to repair the back wall of the pelvis and to shift the uterus back to
its original place. A hysterectomy would be advisable for females who have
finished their family life and whose symptoms are severe.
Lifestyle Changes
Here are some other treatments:
- Exercise: Regular exercise enhances circulation and prevents
fluid from building up.
- Raise Your Legs: If sitting or lying, keep your legs raised
as much as possible to create better drainage to reduce swelling
- Hydrate: Ensuring proper fluid balance is important to
maintaining good hydration, and it may be useful in reducing swelling.
Conclusion
Symptoms of uterine prolapse reach a higher level than just inside the pelvic region and even extended to the limbs, such as swelling of the feet. All these mechanisms associated with this condition are a source of insight for women to know what treatment they should opt for alongside making lifestyle choices that will facilitate effective management of the disorder. If you suspect that you have a prolapsed uterus or any similar symptoms, then it will help consult a healthcare professional to get proper guidance and support to effectively manage your disorder.
Remember that you are not alone in this fight; many women go
through the same thing. Taking proactive steps towards your health can lead to
a better quality of life and make you feel more in control, enjoying the
comfort of your body. Your health matters and knowing which symptoms are
connected to be able to do better management and relief.
Please book an appointment with the Best Urologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.