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This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about health issues that affect women. Previously, we discussed new surgical techniques for performing hysterectomies, but there's a possible uterine problem that may not require surgery that drastic for repair.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis weaken, allowing the uterus to drop out of place.
Dr. Mikio Nihira, a UT Southwestern gynecologist, says one symptom of uterine prolapse may be the inability to wear tampons. If a tampon won't stay in place, it could mean that the vaginal walls have stretched or that the uterus is out of place, forcing the tampon out.
Fortunately, both problems can be solved. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help, and there are medical devices that address the problem. Corrective surgery may be required in some cases.
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June 2005
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