A prolapsed uterus happens when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor stretch and weaken, causing the uterus to move out of its original place and down into the vagina. The following factors can increase the risk of uterine prolapse:

• Vaginal delivery, especially if youve had many deliveries or a difficult labor and delivery.
• Age, as the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor weaken over time.
• Menopause, which can cause a decrease in estrogen levels and weaken the pelvic organ support structures.
• Obesity, which puts extra pressure on the pelvic muscles.
• Chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements.
• Chronic cough or bronchitis.
• Repeated heavy lifting.
• Prior pelvic surgery.
• Family history of weak connective tissue.
• Being Hispanic or white.
• Smoking.

Preventive measures include pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, taught by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Mild uterine prolapse usually doesnt require treatment, but more severe cases may require surgical or nonsurgical options based on the severity of the prolapse.