Prolapsed Uterus in Grand Rapids, MI

A prolapsed uterus is a common pelvic floor condition affecting many women in West Michigan, especially after childbirth or menopause. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you get the right care from Grand Rapids–area providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

What Is a Prolapsed Uterus?

The uterus (womb) is part of the female reproductive system. It is shaped like an upside-down pear and sits inside the pelvis, supported by:

  • The pelvic floor muscles (levator ani muscles) – a “hammock” of muscles stretching from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone
  • Ligaments and connective tissue – which help suspend the uterus, bladder, and bowel in place

When these muscles or connective tissues become weakened or damaged, the uterus can drop down into the vagina.

This is called uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse can range from mild to severe and may occur along with prolapse of other pelvic organs, such as the bladder (cystocele) or bowel (rectocele).

Causes and Risk Factors in Grand Rapids Women

Common causes of uterine prolapse include:

  • Vaginal childbirth
    • Especially multiple births (twins, triplets, or several pregnancies)
    • Large baby
    • Very quick delivery or prolonged pushing phase
  • Obesity
    • Extra pressure on the pelvic floor, which is more common in areas with higher rates of overweight and obesity, including parts of Michigan
  • Chronic coughing or lung conditions
    • Asthma
    • Chronic bronchitis
    • Smoking-related lung disease
    • Persistent winter coughs, which are common in West Michigan’s cold, flu, and RSV seasons
  • Straining on the toilet
    • Long-term (chronic) constipation
  • Hormonal changes after menopause
    • Low estrogen levels weaken pelvic tissues
  • Pelvic tumors or fibroids (less common)

Cold Grand Rapids winters and reduced physical activity can contribute to weight gain and constipation, both of which may increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse

Symptoms can vary depending on how far the uterus has descended. Common symptoms include:

  • A sensation of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in the vagina or pelvis
  • A distinct lump or bulge within the vagina
  • A bulge protruding out of the vaginal opening
  • Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Lower backache or pelvic discomfort
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
  • Urinary leakage (incontinence) or frequent urination

If you notice a bulge or persistent pelvic pressure, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, OB/GYN, or urogynecologist in Grand Rapids.

Stages (Degrees) of Uterine Prolapse

Doctors usually describe uterine prolapse in four stages:

  • Stage I – The uterus is still in the upper half of the vagina
  • Stage II – The uterus has descended nearly to the vaginal opening
  • Stage III – Part of the uterus protrudes out of the vaginal opening
  • Stage IV – The uterus is completely outside the vagina (advanced prolapse)

Early stages (I and II) are often managed with non-surgical treatments, while more advanced stages may require surgery.

Treatment Options in Grand Rapids, MI

Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical options. The best choice depends on:

  • Your overall health
  • The severity (stage) of the prolapse
  • Your age and activity level
  • Whether you wish to have more children
  • Your personal preferences

Local care is available through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and specialty pelvic floor clinics in the Grand Rapids area.

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels)

Pelvic floor exercises are usually the first-line treatment for Stage I and II prolapse.

A pelvic floor physical therapist (often available through major health systems in Grand Rapids) can:

  • Assess your pelvic floor strength
  • Teach you how to correctly perform pelvic floor exercises
  • Design a personalized exercise program

Pelvic floor exercises can:

  • Improve support of the uterus, bladder, and bowel
  • Reduce symptoms such as heaviness and urinary leakage
  • Help prevent worsening of the prolapse

Even if you use a pessary or have had surgery, pelvic floor exercises remain important.

How to Find Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

Be sure to get personalized instruction from a pelvic floor physiotherapist, but these tips can help you identify the right muscles:

  • Gently insert one or two clean fingers into the vagina and try to squeeze and lift around them
  • Imagine you are passing urine and try to stop the flow (do not do this regularly while actually urinating)
  • Squeeze the muscles around the anus as if trying to stop passing gas

You should feel a squeeze and lift inside the pelvis, not a push or bearing down.

How to Do Pelvic Floor Exercises

You can perform these exercises lying down, sitting, or standing.

Before you start:

  • Relax your abdominal muscles, buttocks, and thighs
  • Do not hold your breath
  • Do not bear down or push

Step 1: Slow squeezes

  1. Squeeze and lift the muscles around the urethra, vagina, and anus
  2. Hold for 3 seconds at first (work up to 5–10 seconds as you get stronger)
  3. Release completely
  4. Rest for 5–10 seconds
  5. Repeat up to 10 times

Step 2: Quick squeezes

  1. Perform short, strong squeezes
  2. Release fully between each squeeze
  3. Repeat 10 times

Aim for:

  • While learning: 5–6 sessions per day
  • Once confident: 3 sessions per day

Try to squeeze and lift your pelvic floor whenever you:

  • Cough
  • Sneeze
  • Laugh
  • Lift anything heavy

This is especially important during Michigan’s winter cold and flu season when coughing is more common.

2. Vaginal Pessary

A pessary is a flexible device placed inside the vagina to support the uterus and other pelvic organs.

  • Comes in different shapes and sizes
  • Fitted and prescribed by a trained health professional (often a gynecologist or urogynecologist)
  • Many women can be taught to remove, clean, and reinsert their pessary at home, similar to using a tampon

Pessaries:

  • Can significantly reduce symptoms of prolapse
  • Are a good non-surgical option for many women
  • Are often used along with pelvic floor exercises

Regular follow-up visits with your doctor or gynecologist are essential to:

  • Check the fit
  • Monitor the vaginal tissue
  • Prevent irritation or infection

Pessaries are not suitable for everyone, so you will need a personalized evaluation.

Surgical Treatment Options

In moderate to severe cases (often Stage III or IV), or if non-surgical options do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

Types of Surgery

  • Vaginal surgery

    • The uterus is repositioned or removed (hysterectomy) through the vagina
    • Supporting tissues are repaired to hold the pelvic organs in place

  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

    • Small instruments and a camera are inserted through tiny incisions, often including one near the navel
    • The uterus is pulled back into its correct position and reattached to supportive ligaments

  • Abdominal surgery

    • A larger incision is made in the abdomen
    • Used in some complex cases or when laparoscopic surgery is not suitable

Surgery can be very effective, but prolapse can recur if underlying causes are not addressed, such as:

  • Obesity
  • Chronic coughing
  • Heavy lifting
  • Long-term constipation

Your surgeon in Grand Rapids will discuss benefits, risks, recovery time, and how surgery may affect future pregnancy plans and sexual function.

Prevention and Self-Care for Grand Rapids Women

Some women are at higher risk of uterine prolapse, especially if they have had multiple vaginal births, are post-menopausal, or have chronic health issues. Preventive steps can lower your risk or prevent a mild prolapse from getting worse.

1. Support Your Pelvic Floor

  • During pregnancy – Do pelvic floor exercises throughout pregnancy
  • After vaginal childbirth – Start gentle pelvic floor exercises when your provider says it is safe
  • After menopause – Ask your doctor about:
    • Topical estrogen cream to support vaginal and pelvic tissues
    • Continued pelvic floor muscle training

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Extra abdominal fat increases pressure on the pelvic floor
  • Work with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or a dietitian on:
    • Balanced, fiber-rich meals
    • Regular physical activity (indoor options are important during Michigan winters)

3. Prevent and Manage Constipation

Straining on the toilet is a major risk factor for prolapse. Aim for big, soft, formed stools by:

  • Eating plenty of:
    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    • Whole grains and other high-fiber foods
  • Drinking plenty of water, especially when indoor heating and dry winter air can increase dehydration
  • Staying active year-round, even when it is cold outside

If constipation is chronic, talk with your doctor about:

  • Fiber supplements
  • Stool softeners
  • Screening for underlying conditions

4. Control Chronic Cough

  • Work with your provider to manage:
    • Asthma
    • Chronic bronchitis
    • Allergies
  • Avoid smoking and seek help if you need support to quit
  • Get recommended vaccines (like flu and COVID-19) through your local pharmacy, primary care clinic, or the Kent County Health Department to help reduce respiratory infections

5. Avoid Heavy Straining

  • Use proper lifting techniques
  • Avoid frequent heavy lifting when possible
  • Exhale (do not hold your breath) when lifting or exerting yourself

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you think you may have a prolapsed uterus, or you want to prevent pelvic floor problems, start by talking with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • Your OB/GYN
  • A urogynecologist (pelvic floor specialist)
  • A pelvic floor physical therapist

Where to Get Help

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health – OB/GYN and urogynecology clinics, pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Women’s health, gynecology, and pelvic floor services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – Gynecology and pelvic rehabilitation
  • Mercy Health – Women’s health and pelvic floor care
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health – General women’s health resources, referrals, and information

You can also ask your provider for a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist experienced in treating uterine prolapse.

Key Points About Uterine Prolapse in Grand Rapids

  • A prolapsed uterus occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues allow the uterus to drop into the vagina.
  • Symptoms include pelvic pressure, a bulge in or out of the vagina, and sometimes painful intercourse.
  • Pelvic floor exercises and vaginal pessaries are effective non-surgical treatments, especially in early stages.
  • Surgery, including vaginal or laparoscopic repair, may be needed in more severe cases.
  • Maintaining healthy bowel habits, managing chronic cough, keeping a healthy weight, and doing pelvic floor exercises are simple preventive measures.
  • High-quality care for uterine prolapse is available through multiple Grand Rapids, MI healthcare systems and local pelvic floor specialists.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and notice symptoms of prolapse, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Early evaluation can help you stay active, comfortable, and confident in your daily life.