Receiving the diagnosis of low uterus, technically known as uterine prolapse, can generate many doubts and anxiety. It is a condition where the uterus slips from its normal position in the pelvis, descending toward the vaginal canal. This situation, although common, often causes physical discomfort and a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life and emotional health.

Often, symptoms go beyond the physical. The feeling of a “ball in the vagina,” urinary incontinence, or pain during sexual intercourse can shake self-esteem, generate fear, and stress. Dealing with these changes in one’s own body can be a challenge, and concern about treatment and the future exacerbates anxiety, creating a vicious cycle where stress intensifies the perception of symptoms.

It is essential to understand that the treatment of low uterus goes beyond physical intervention. Caring for emotional health is an essential part of the recovery journey. How we interpret and react to a diagnosis can completely transform the treatment experience, influencing adherence to medical recommendations and overall well-being.

In this article, we will demystify uterine prolapse. We will discuss in detail what it is, its main causes, the symptoms that deserve attention, and what conventional treatment approaches are available. More importantly, we will show how scientific hypnosis, aligned with evidence-based practices, emerges as a powerful tool to manage the emotional impact associated with this condition.

Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we believe that everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help. Our goal is to empower health professionals to offer comprehensive care that combines body treatment and mind support, enhancing results and promoting health in an integral way.

What is Low Uterus or Uterine Prolapse?

Low uterus, also known as uterine prolapse, is a health condition in which the uterus shifts downward, potentially exiting its normal position in the pelvic cavity. This alteration occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and tissues of the pelvic floor, which support pelvic organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum, weaken. The pelvic floor is a complex structure made up of muscles that help control urinary and fecal function and provide support to neighboring organs.

When the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor become weak or damaged, usually due to factors such as vaginal births, aging, or obesity, the uterus may begin to descend, resulting in prolapse. This condition can vary in severity, and its mechanics involve the displacement of the uterus, which can press against the vagina and other organs, leading to discomfort and functional problems.

Uterine prolapse is classified into four degrees:

• Grade 1: The uterus descends slightly to the top of the vagina, with no visible protrusion at the vaginal opening.
• Grade 2: The uterus descends and can be seen at the bottom of the vagina, but still does not exit the body.
• Grade 3: The uterus protrudes beyond the vaginal opening, but the woman may still control some symptoms.
• Grade 4: Also known as procidentia, the uterus completely exits the body, causing significant pain and discomfort.

It is essential to be attentive to the signs of prolapse, as the condition can affect quality of life and emotional well-being.

Main Causes and Symptoms to Observe

Uterine prolapse, also known as low uterus, results from the weakening of the pelvic floor, which supports organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum. Several factors can contribute to this weakening. One of the main risk factors is a history of multiple pregnancies and complicated vaginal births, which can stretch and wear out the pelvic muscles. Aging and menopause also play a role, especially due to the drop in estrogen, which affects tissue elasticity.

Additionally, women who have undergone a hysterectomy may have an increased risk of developing this condition. Genetic factors may predispose some women to a weakened pelvic floor, while obesity increases pressure on the pelvic area. Conditions that cause increased abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough or constipation, are also relevant, as well as frequent heavy lifting.

The symptoms of uterine prolapse can vary widely in intensity, depending on the degree of prolapse. The most common signs include:

• Feeling of weight or pressure in the pelvis
• Perception of a “ball” in the vagina
• Lower back pain
• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Difficulty evacuating
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for seeking medical guidance and considering the best treatment options.

Diagnosis and Medical Treatment Approaches

The diagnosis of low uterus, or uterine prolapse, is a fundamental step in determining the appropriate treatment. Generally, the evaluation begins with a gynecological examination called a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor examines the anatomy of the patient’s pelvis and may ask her to perform the Valsalva maneuver, which involves straining, to observe the severity of the prolapse. This procedure helps identify if the uterus has shifted toward the vagina.

Treatment options for low uterus are divided into conservative and surgical. Conservative approaches include:

• Pelvic physiotherapy: Kegel exercises are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help better support the uterus.
• Vaginal pessaries: These devices are inserted into the vagina to support the uterus and prevent it from prolapsing. Pessaries come in different sizes and shapes and are adjusted according to the patient’s needs.
• Lifestyle changes: Recommendations such as weight loss, balanced diet, and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting, are also essential.

When conservative options do not yield satisfactory results, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures include pelvic floor repair, which aims to restore the normal position of the uterus, or hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus. The choice between these options depends on factors such as the patient’s age, whether she wishes to have children, her overall health, and the severity of the prolapse.

It is important to emphasize that the treatment decision should be made in conjunction with a qualified healthcare professional, who will help evaluate the best approach for each individual case.

The Mind-Body Connection and Scientific Hypnosis

The diagnosis of uterine prolapse can bring with it an emotional whirlwind. Women often face feelings of stress and anxiety when confronted with this condition. Shame and issues with self-image are common, as well as fear of sexuality and incontinence. These factors can significantly impact quality of life, making it even more challenging to cope with physical symptoms. It is in this context that scientific hypnosis presents itself as a powerful support tool.

The principle of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) reminds us that “everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.” Although hypnosis does not cure uterine prolapse itself, it helps manage emotional responses, allowing patients to face their concerns more effectively. During a hypnosis session, it is possible to achieve a state of focused attention that facilitates the modulation of the stress response and the reduction of pain and discomfort perception.

Additionally, hypnosis can help transform negative automatic thoughts related to the condition. For example, the patient may learn to reorient her perspective on sexuality and incontinence, promoting a sense of control and empowerment.

These interventions are complementary to well-established practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, reinforcing that hypnosis enhances not only the physical healing process but also the mental state, thus contributing to better quality of life and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding low uterus or uterine prolapse is the first step toward seeking appropriate care. As we have seen, it is a physical condition caused by the weakening of the pelvic floor, with well-established medical treatments ranging from physiotherapy to surgical procedures. The choice of the ideal approach should always be a joint decision between the patient and her healthcare team, considering the severity of symptoms and individual circumstances.

However, the treatment journey does not end at the physical aspect. The diagnosis and living with symptoms often trigger a cascade of emotional reactions, such as stress and anxiety, which can worsen the perception of the problem and decrease quality of life. It is at this point that the approach of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis stands out, recognizing the deep connection between mind and body.

Scientific hypnosis, when used as a complementary tool by qualified healthcare professionals, offers valuable support. It does not aim to replace medical treatments but rather to enhance them. By helping the patient manage stress, reinterpret pain and discomfort, and restructure negative automatic thoughts, hypnosis promotes emotional well-being and resilience, crucial factors for a successful recovery and improvement in quality of life.

For you, healthcare professional seeking to expand your therapeutic tools, evidence-based hypnosis represents an opportunity to provide truly comprehensive care. By integrating this competency into your practice, you will be better prepared to embrace not only the clinical condition of your patients but also their emotional pains, guiding them ethically and scientifically toward full health.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is low uterus and what are its main causes?

Low uterus, or uterine prolapse, occurs when the uterus slips down in the pelvis. The main causes include weakening of the pelvic floor, which can occur due to complicated vaginal births, aging, menopause, obesity, and conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough. These factors can compromise the muscles and ligaments that support the organs, resulting in prolapse.

What are the most common symptoms of uterine prolapse?

The symptoms of uterine prolapse can vary, but the most common include a feeling of weight in the pelvis, the perception of a “ball” in the vagina, lower back pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, difficulty evacuating, and pain during sexual intercourse. Recognizing these signs is important for seeking medical guidance and exploring treatment options.

How is the diagnosis of uterine prolapse performed?

The diagnosis typically begins with a pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist, where the doctor evaluates the anatomy of the pelvis. The Valsalva maneuver may be used to observe the severity of the prolapse. This examination is crucial for identifying the displacement of the uterus and determining the most appropriate treatment options for each case.

What treatments are available for low uterus?

Treatments for low uterus include conservative and surgical options. Conservative approaches include pelvic physiotherapy, use of vaginal pessaries, and lifestyle changes. If these options are not effective, surgery may be considered, such as pelvic floor repair or hysterectomy, depending on the severity of the prolapse and the patient’s preferences.

How can scientific hypnosis help in the treatment of uterine prolapse?

Scientific hypnosis can be an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety associated with uterine prolapse. Although it does not cure the condition, it helps the patient cope with negative emotions, promotes a better perception of pain, and improves self-image. Hypnosis, acting in conjunction with medical treatments, can enhance quality of life and emotional well-being.