It can be a scary sensation if your uterus drops into your vaginal opening when your are running. This may deter you from continuing your exercise routine and make you fearful of performing daily activities. Knowing what causes this condition, as well as how to fix it, is the first step to regaining your peace of mind.
Description
The uterus is part of the female reproductive system. It is located inside your pelvis and is supported by muscles threaded between your tailbone and pubic bone. These muscles are referred to as the pelvic floor. Connective tissue and ligaments also secure the uterus in place. If these muscles, tissues or ligaments weaken, the uterus can slide into the vagina, causing a condition called uterine prolapse.
Risk Factors
Running does not cause tissue weakening of the uterus; rather, the constant force placed on the uterus can aggravate a uterine prolapse. A weak uterus has a higher chance of dropping the longer distances you run. Slight uterine prolapses often go unnoticed until women experience menopause. Menopause leads to a decline in estrogen, which pelvic and vaginal tissues depend upon for strength and elasticity. Other risk factors include obesity, a family history of uterine prolapse and deterioration of uterine support due to age. Chronic coughing can also cause the tissues that support the uterus to weaken, which makes smoking a major risk factor.
Symptoms
Feeling heaviness in your vagina when you are running is only one symptom of uterine prolapse. Other symptoms include feeling a lump or bulge in your vagina, seeing tissue hanging from the vagina and a persistent lower backache. A prolapse may make urination difficult and cause frequent infections in the urinary tract. An increased amount of vaginal discharge may occur due to uterine prolapse, as well as painful intercourse.
Treatment
If your bladder prolapse bothers you or if you avoid running due to the disorder, treatment may be necessary. Most women choose to seek treatment when the uterus falls into the vaginal opening. Estrogen may be prescribed if you are deemed estrogen deficient. A prolapse can also be treated with a vaginal pessary. This device is made of rubber or plastic and is inserted into the vagina. The vaginal pessary holds the uterus in place and can be used as a temporary or permanent treatment. Each a device is individually fitted and is similar to a diaphragm. Uterine prolapse due to obesity is treated with weight loss. A woman who has a chronic cough and a prolapse will receive treatment to prevent the cough. Sacrospinous fixation is a surgical procedure that utilizes nearby ligaments to support the uterus. A hysterectomy may be also considered to correct a uterine prolapse, lifting any sagging of the vaginal walls, bladder, rectum or urethra during the procedure.
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