Uterine Prolapse: The Facts

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[x]   Transcript: Uterine prolapse affects 30% of ALL women, so theres a good chance that it will touch you or someone you know. But before you can comprehend uterine prolapse, you need to have a basic understanding of a womans pelvis. The vagina is the foundation of female anatomy, while the cervix sits above the vagina, and the uterus above the cervix. Connective tissue called uterosacral ligaments hold the uterus and cervix in place. As the primary support system for the entire female pelvis, these uterosacral ligaments are extremely important! Uterine prolapse occurs when collagen fibers in these ligaments stretch or weaken, causing the cervix and uterus to drop down into the vaginal canal. If it drops far enough, its actually possible to feel and see the cervix, which looks like a small pink donut. Although this is not usually painful, a woman may experience feelings of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis. Other symptoms of uterine prolapse include painful sex, low backache, frequent urination, or even vaginal bleeding. A number of things can cause uterine prolapse. Women who give birth vaginally are more likely to experience thinning and stretching of the supportive uterosacral ligaments, especially those who experience long labors or deliver big babies. Prolapse is also more likely in women over 50, simply because muscle tone decreases with age. Research also suggests that some women may be genetically predisposed to uterine prolapse. In other words, you cant always PREVENT uterine prolapse, but you CAN-and should-learn about treatment options. One effective treatment choice is a pessary, which is a vaginal support made of rubber, plastic, or silicone. A doctor fits a womans pessary to her body to hold the prolapse comfortably in place. Surgery is another option, which, unlike a pessary, actually REPAIRS the prolapse. One in nine cases of uterine prolapse is severe enough to require surgery. The good news is that uterine prolapse IS fixable! To learn more about this condition and other female concerns, check out other videos on this site.

[x]   Bio: Dr. Lauri Romanzi is a reconstructive pelvic surgeon, urogynecologist and clinical associate professor at Weill/Cornell New York Presbyterian Hosptial in New York City. Her urogynecologic research includes prolapse, incontinence, overactive bladder, Kegel fitness scoring, genital sensitivity nerve testing and fistula repair. Her 2009 book Plumbing and Renovation: If you have a uterus or know someone who does, this book is for you provides the lay public with a review on pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and pelvic floor fitness.

Dr. Romanzi has been a featured expert on the Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America. Additional media credits include: NY Times, Fox 5, London Guardian, More Magazine, Redbook, Oprah Magazine, Telemundo, Radio Ritas, Dr. Radio, Cosmo Radio, London Times, Playboy Radio and Italian Playboy.

Dr. Romanzi advises women with pelvic floor disorders who cannot travel to New York through her blog (www.urogynics.org/blog – ask Dr R feature). In 2008 she opened PHIT, the world's first medical spa devoted to Kegel -focused feminine rejuvenation (www.theperfectphit.com ).

Dr. Romanzi's international work with Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Surgeons Over Seas and other international groups includes teaching and volunteer surgery for women suffering childbirth injury and war trauma in Niger, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.