"What Should Be Done About Severe Uterine Prolapse and Enlarged Lactiferous Sinuses?"
Severe Uterine Prolapse and Dilatation of the Milk Ducts
Severe uterine prolapse and dilatation of the milk ducts primarily refer to severe uterine prolapse. When excessive force is applied during childbirth, uterine prolapse is likely to occur postpartum. This severe condition can significantly impact a woman's normal reproductive function. Hence, prompt treatment is crucial, typically involving uterine braces, pelvic floor muscle exercises, surgical intervention, and other methods. For severe uterine prolapse, surgical treatment is the primary approach.
1. Uterine Brace Treatment
Uterine braces can be employed to manage uterine prolapse, a method easily mastered by patients. However, they are not suitable for cases of severe uterine prolapse accompanied by excessive vaginal relaxation. Some patients may experience reduced uterine weight and edema resolution after using uterine braces, thereby alleviating uterine prolapse symptoms.
2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
This approach is suitable for patients with mild symptoms. They can perform forceful contractions of the anal sphincter, holding the pelvic floor muscles contracted for more than 3 seconds before relaxing them. Each exercise session should last 10 to 15 minutes, performed 2 to 3 times daily. The first exercise is recommended before getting out of bed.
3. Surgical Treatment
Surgical options are determined based on the cause of uterine prolapse, its severity, and the presence of surrounding organ protrusions. The surgery aims to shorten the relaxed main ligaments, enhance uterine support, and restore normal anatomy and functions. It can also correct abnormal uterine morphologies, such as in patients with elongated or enlarged cervixes, where partial resection can restore normal length. Patients can use a vaginal speculum to inspect for ulcerations on the vaginal wall and cervix, as well as uterine rectal hernias. During internal examination, attention should be paid to the levator ani muscles on both sides to assess the width of the levator ani cleft and cervix position. Patients with severe uterine prolapse may also require posterior uterine examination to determine its size.