What Are the Hazards of Uterine Prolapse in Elderly Women?
Female uterine prolapse has numerous impacts on the human body, including infertility, posterior uterine displacement leading to an upward and forward tilting of the cervix, and the cervix pointing towards the anterior wall of the vagina, causing the external os of the cervix to protrude significantly above the seminal fluid pool in the posterior fornix, thereby affecting female fertility. Uterine prolapse is particularly common in elderly women and poses significant hazards to their health. Let's explore the dangers of uterine prolapse in elderly women in more detail.
Specifically, in cases of mild uterine prolapse (Grade I), there may be minimal or no significant symptoms. In Grade II, the uterus may descend along the vagina and protrude outside the vaginal orifice, potentially affecting the patient's ability to walk normally. In Grade III uterine prolapse, the entire uterus may be exposed outside the vagina, leading to urinary incontinence with increased abdominal pressure or laughter, and the presence of foreign bodies in the vagina that interfere with normal daily activities. Mild cases of uterine prolapse can be managed with pelvic floor exercises, while severe cases may require the use of a pessary or surgical intervention.
One of the hazards of uterine prolapse to women is infertility. Posterior displacement of the uterus can pull the cervix upward and forward, causing the external os of the cervix to protrude significantly above the seminal fluid pool in the posterior fornix. This prevents sperm from entering the cervical canal smoothly, making fertilization difficult. Another hazard is menstrual pain. The shape of a posteriorly displaced uterus resembles a teapot, with the cervical canal analogous to the spout and the uterine body to the body of the teapot. As the spout of the teapot, the cervix is positioned higher than the uterine cavity, making it difficult for menstrual blood to be expelled through the cervical canal from the "bottom" of the uterus. To expel the menstrual blood, the uterus must contract strongly to compress the uterine cavity. This can lead to menstrual pain due to spasmodic contractions of the uterine muscles.
Furthermore, uterine prolapse can also cause excessive menstrual bleeding. When the uterus tilts backwards, it can cause the ovaries and fallopian tubes to descend towards the lower back. This alteration in position can lead to distortion of the pelvic veins, impeding blood flow and causing pelvic venous congestion, which in turn can result in excessive menstrual bleeding, abdominal discomfort, lower back pain, and even painful intercourse in some women.
Menopausal women are particularly susceptible to uterine prolapse due to decreased muscle tone. Therefore, it is crucial for them to focus on physical exercise to strengthen their bodies, prevent premature aging, and maintain good nutrition. Preventive measures such as dietary and pharmacological interventions are also necessary and effective in managing uterine prolapse, especially in women with weak constitutions following childbirth.
