Uterine Prolapse - UAB Medicine

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Uterine Prolapse

A woman’s uterus resides in the pelvis, supported by various muscles and ligaments. When these muscles stretch and become weakened, the pelvic floor gives way and the uterus drops down into and protrudes out of the vaginal canal. This is called uterine prolapse. Those most susceptible to the condition are older, postmenopausal women, and women who have had vaginal deliveries, particularly those whose supportive tissues were damaged during childbirth. The weakening of pelvic muscles also may be caused by reduced estrogen levels, chronic coughing, obesity, and constant straining associated with constipation. Mild uterine prolapse may have few symptoms and largely go unnoticed. Moderate uterine prolapse is more likely to fully protrude out of the vaginal canal and require treatment.

UAB Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery provides the highest level of evidence-based care for the full spectrum of women’s pelvic floor disorders. We stand apart from other programs because our board-certified or board-eligible physicians offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. We feature minimally invasive surgical treatments for urinary and bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and we collaborate with colleagues in providing nonsurgical options for pelvic floor conditions.

Our urogynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgeons and physicians are recognized nationally and internationally, including service as president of the prestigious Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, a select member group of more than 250 physicians involved in teaching and practicing advanced gynecologic surgery. In addition, our leadership has been appointed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Urologic and Genitourinary Physiology and Pathology Study Section at the NIH Center for Scientific Review.

Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver individualized care in a sensitive fashion that fulfills your specialized needs.

Care Providers

David Ellington, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology

Holly Richter, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology

Tracey Wilson, MD Trauma and Reconstructive Urology, Urology

Videos

Caring For Women with Urogynecologic Conditions

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Meet the Team: Tracey Wilson, MD

Dr. Wilson specializes in caring for women with voiding dysfunction and pelvic floor issues. At a young age, she was inspired to be a physician by the excitement of medicine and the satisfaction of helping treat those in need.

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