Dr Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja-based gynaecologist has advised women to practice kegal exercise to reduce the rate of prolapse uterus.
She gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
She defined uterine prolapse as a condition where the uterus sags or slips from its normal position into the vagina or into the birth canal.
She said kegel exercises make the pelvic floor muscles stronger, control urine flow and help to hold the pelvic organs in place.
According to her, the cause of uterine prolapse cannot be established but that genetics play a role in developing uterine prolapse.
She explained that a woman’s uterus was normally held inside the pelvis with various muscles and tissues and ligaments but due to pregnancy and childbirth, the muscles could become weakened in some women.
She added that as women grow older, their natural estrogen level also dropped, making the
uterus to drop into the vaginal canal, which may cause prolapse uterus.
Ukoh further said that preventing prolapse uterus should start from lifestyle changes such as avoiding weight gain, avoiding heavy lifting, control cough, as well as preventing and treating constipation.
She also encouraged adequate drinking of fluids such as water and maintaining normal weight, consuming foods high in fiber and pelvic exercises to reduce the risk of the condition.
The gynaecologist noted that stretching during bowel movements, as well as smoking increased the risk of prolapse and discouraged the practice to prevent the condition.
However, Ukoh said that treatment of the condition should start with medications such as estrogen cream, ovules or rings inserted into the vagina.
She noted that the measures would help to restore the strength and vitality of tissues in and around the vagina.
She also suggested surgery to help to repair the uterus, especially for women of child bearing age.
She recommended total removal of the uterus in extreme cases to correct sagging of the vaginal walls, the urethra, the bladder and the rectum.
The doctor also urged women who experienced back pain, fullness around the abdomen,
as well as pain during sexual intercourse to seek urgent medical care. (NAN)
