CONSERVATIVE MEASURES

Vaginal pessary

There are a number of options available , depending on:

• the degree of prolapse
• how bothersome it is
• the woman's age and desire to have more children in the future.

Conservative treatment

If the prolapse is mild to moderate and not causing problems, no treatment is required. There are ways to improve the condition and prevent it worsening, including:

• avoiding standing for long periods of time
• eating a high-fibre diet with plenty of fresh fruits
• losing weight, if overweight
• pelvic floor exercises to strengthen weakened muscles and reduce the prolapse.

Vaginal pessaries

Pessaries are recommended for more severe prolapse. A vaginal pessary is a device similar to a diaphragm that is inserted into the vagina to hold the uterus in place. They need to be replaced every three to six months. Pessaries can occasionally cause vaginal infection or discharge.

External links

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• NICE
• British Society of Urogynaecology
• International Urogynaecology Association