What is hysterocele?

Hysterocele, or uterine prolapse, occurs when the uterus descends into or protrudes through the vagina. This condition is relatively rare and affects about 5% of women who have had children. Hysterocele can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

- Pelvic pain or pressure

- A feeling of fullness in the vagina

- Difficulty urinating or defecating

- Urinary incontinence

- Vaginal bleeding or spotting

- Painful intercourse

- Low back pain

Hysterocele is diagnosed based on a woman's symptoms and a physical examination of the vagina and uterus. Treatment for hysterocele may include:

- Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles

- Pessaries, or devices that are inserted into the vagina to support the uterus

- Surgery to repair the ligaments that support the uterus

In some cases, hysterocele may be treated with hormone replacement therapy or by losing weight.