Disease Index

Homeopathy for Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is one of a constellation of conditions collectively referred to as pelvic organ prolapse. A combination of genetic factors, de-nervation or ischemic injury to the musculature, and mechanical failure of the connective tissue can lead to pelvic organ Prolapse. Vaginal childbirth appears to be among the greatest risk factors.

Uterine prolapse is one of a constellation of conditions collectively referred to as pelvic organ prolapse in which loss of pelvic support results in the protrusion of pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, or bowel) into the vagina. Uterine prolapse is a common problem for women and may occur concurrently with either bladder prolapse, bowel prolapse, or both.

Support of the pelvic organs is provided by an overlapping system of ligaments, fascia, and muscles. There may be many reasons for loss of this support. A combination of genetic factors, de-nervation or ischemic injury to the musculature, and mechanical failure of the connective tissue can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal childbirth appears to be among the greatest risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse; the more children a woman has, the more it is associated with advancing prolapse. Damage to pelvic support tissue during childbirth is likely due to compression and extreme pressure from the fetal head and maternal expulsive efforts.

These high pressure can cause temporary or permanent stretch and tear injury (mechanical injury), as well as is chemic or neurological injury. In addition to vaginal childbirth, other risk factors include pregnancy, advancing age, low estrogen, obesity, chronic constipation, chronic cough, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cigarette smoking, and repetitive heavy lifting.

The therapeutic options to treat uterine prolapse are variable and are determined by age, health status, severity of symptoms, and degree of prolapse. No treatment is necessary with mild prolapse, especially if asymptomatic. For more severe degrees of prolapse or if the woman is suffering from symptoms, treatment options include both nonsurgical and surgical therapy.

The primary nonsurgical method involves placing a pessary in the va-gina to support the pelvic organs. The traditional surgical treatment includes hysterectomy, then repair of the support mechanism, but uterine preservation with reconstruction of the support tissue is under investigation. Currently, focus is on prevention, such as elective cesarean section and aggressive treatment of chronic conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure.

Pathophysiology of uterine prolapse

Although the exact etiology of pelvic prolapse has yet to be clearly defined, many risk factors have been proposed in the development of prolapse. Bump and Norton categorized these risk factors into four categories:

A. Predisposing factors are genetics, race, and gender;

B. Inciting factors are pregnancy and delivery, surgery, myopathy, and neuropathy;

C. Promoting factors are obesity, smoking, pulmonary disease, constipation, and recreational or occupational activities that cause chronic increases in intra abdominal pressure; and

D. Decompensating factors are aging, menopause, debilitation, and medications.

Any of the above risk factors can results in attenuation of the uterosacral cardinal ligament complex or breaks along the endo-pelvic fascia. Furthermore, muscle atrophy of the levator ani and coccyges can lead to a wider levator hiatus and a compromise in the excretory function of the bladder and rectum.

The loss of uterine support causes the cervix to move anteriorly, and the uterus then begins to shift posteriorly such that the intra- abdominal pressure is then directed on the anterior surface of the uterus. The uterus becomes progressively more Retroverted until the axis of the uterus is essentially vertical. This option allows uterine prolapse to occur.

Causes of uterine prolapse

Anything that exerts too much weight or pressure on the pelvic floor, or weakens it, will make a woman more likely to develop a prolapse: for example, coughing, heavy lifting, or regular straining on defecation. Frequent pregnancies, especially if the babies are large or if labor is prolonged, will weaken the mother’s pelvic floor, as will obesity in woman.

The supporting tissues seem to need a hormone called estrogen to retain their strength. This is released mainly from a woman’s ovaries. After menopause, the ovaries no longer secrete large amounts of estrogen. The pelvic floor becomes weaker and, as a result, the woman is in greater danger of developing a prolapse at this time.

Symptoms of uterine prolapse

The symptoms a prolapse produces depend on its severity and whether or not the bladder or intestine is involved. Many women have not symptoms; some simply experience a downward pressure in the vagina. Others feel a lump (the uterus) in the va-gina or complain of feeling something coming down.

In a few cases, the entire uterus protrudes from the vagina. Obviously, this makes walking and sitting very uncomfortable, but it is very uncommon. If the intestine is involved in the prolapse, the woman may find it difficult to defecate without pushing the uterus back into the vagina. The same is true if the bladder is part of the prolapse. However, a much more common problem is that the woman finds that she leaks urine if she runs, laughs, or coughs. This is called stress incontinence.

A prolapse of the uterus does not cause any vaginal bleeding or pain, but occasionally women may notice a dull backache at the end of the day, which is relieved by lying down.

Prolapse are becoming less common, partly because women have better nutrition and tend to have smaller families, but largely owing to better prenatal preparation.

Prevention of uterine prolapse

It is important to try to prevent prolepses. The muscles of the pelvic floor can be strengthened by kegel exercise: women both at prenatal classes and in the maternity suite are taught these exercises. It is not always easy for a mother of a young baby to find the time to perform the exercises, but it is spare a few minutes daily. Weight loss often helps reduce the risk of prolapse. A high fiber diet will make bowel movements easier. Not partaking in activities that stress pelvic support muscles can also help.

Diagnosis of uterine prolapse

The first step leading to treatment is proper diagnosis. Yet this is not always simple. The symptoms of pelvic support problems often mimic those of other conditions. Although a woman with these symptoms will usually realize that she has a problem, the exact cause of the problem must be found before the best treatment can be given.

In order to make an exact diagnosis, your doctor will have to obtain a detailed medical history and perform a though pelvic exam. He or she may have to examine you while you are lying down and again while you are standing up. Tests may also be done on your urine or bladder function.

If you have a problem with either passing or controlling urine, other tests may be needed:

  • Urethroscopy:  The inside of the urethra is viewed through a small, telescope-like instrument.
  • Cystoscopy: The inside of the bladder is viewed through a small telescope like instrument.
  • Cystometry: Bladder capacity and control are measure.
  • Uroflowmetry: Urine flow is measured.

Treatment of uterine prolapse

If a woman’s uterine prolapse is very small but she is overweight, it can sometimes be corrected if she loses weight and is prescribed a course of exercise treatment by physical therapist. Elderly or unfit women who wish to avoid surgery for more severe forms of prolapse can be treated by placing a plastic or rubber ring (a ring pessary) in the va-gina to hold the uterus in place. Fit women with severe symptoms are usually advised to have surgery. There are several types of surgery, but they are almost all performed on or through the va-gina so that the woman has no visible scar.

Homeopathic treatment of uterine prolapse – Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat uterine prolapse but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to cure uterine prolapse that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of uterine prolapse:

Sepia, Lilium Tig, Podophyllum, Belladonna, Nux vomica, Stannum Met, Senecio, Aloe, Staphysagria, Pulsatilla, Nux Mos, Phosphorous, Helonias, Aurum Met, Collinsonia, Conium Mac, Cimicifuga, Platina, Argentum Met, Bryonia, Murex and many other medicines.

Reference:

Victoria J. Fraser, M.d: Disease and Disorders; 2007; 881

Sam D. Graham, Thomas E Keane: Glenn’s Urologic Surgery; 2009; 319-20

David B. Jacoby, R. M. Youngson: Encyclopedia of Family health; 2004; 1686-88

Johannes P. Schade: The complete Encyclopedia of Medicine & Health; 2006; 623

 

About the author

Dr. Manisha Bhatia

BHMS, M.D. (Hom), CICH (Greece)
Dr. (Mrs) Manisha Bhatia is a leading homeopathy doctor working in Jaipur, India. She has studied with Prof. George Vithoulkas at the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy. She is the Director of Asha Homeopathy Medical Center, Jaipur's leading clinic for homeopathy treatment and has been practicing since 2004.

She writes for Hpathy.com about homeopathic medicines and their therapeutic indications and homeopathy treatment in various diseases. She is also Associate Professor, HoD and PG Guide at S.K. Homeopathy Medical College. To consult her online, - visit Dr. Bhatia's website.

6 Comments

    • I have a Uterine prolapse as well as a cystocele and rectocele.. not too bad yet but want to heal it as much as I can to prevent surgery in the future. For the uterine prolapse you have mentioned Podophyllum.. How much and how much a day? And what would you suggest I take for the other prolapses? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

  • I was told today that I have uterine prolapse and want to avoid surgery, which of the above homeopathies would help me the most? I take homeopathies often and believe in them.

    Thanks,
    Lisa

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