Treatment options for uterine prolapse may include specific types of exercise, a pessary (a device inserted to support the uterus), hormonal therapy, and surgery, including a round ligament procedure (to provide muscle support for the uterus). Together with your doctor, you will develop a treatment plan based on:

• The severity of the prolapse

• The severity of the symptoms

• The presence of other symptoms

• Your wishes regarding pregnancy

• Your age

If you have mild prolapse, your doctor may recommend nothing more than Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the opening of the vagina.^10,11

If your prolapse is slightly more severe, your doctor may recommend a pessary, which is a plastic, doughnut-shaped device placed into the vagina to raise the uterus and support it in a more normal position.¹⁰

In some cases, estrogen creams applied directly into the vagina can have a beneficial effect on the stretched pelvic ligaments and tissues. ^10,11

Surgery may be considered the best treatment option if you have severe uterine prolapse or severe pain.

• Round ligament suspension procedure—this is an operation to tighten stretched ligaments and improve muscle support for the uterus. ¹¹

• Hysterectomy—your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus. Your surgeon may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes at the time of the hysterectomy, if the prolapse is severe. There are various types of hysterectomies your physician may recommend.

  During the most commonly performed hysterectomy, a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), the uterus is removed through a large incision in the abdomen. Recovery requires a hospital stay of three to five days, with a high level of discomfort. Normal activity may resume in six weeks. ⁴

However, there are other surgical options for you to consider as well. Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIP), such as vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomies, result in less recovery time, less time in the hospital, less scarring, and less pain. Find out more about MIP for hysterectomy and whether or not MIP may be an option for you.

Click here to watch an animation comparing an open and minimally invasive hysterectomy.