Non-Surgical Options

There are a number of non-surgical options that are available for you to discuss with your physician.

Kegel Exercises

Special exercises, called Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This may be the only treatment needed in mild cases of uterine prolapse. To do Kegel exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to hold back urine. Hold the muscles tight for a few seconds and then release. Repeat. You may do these exercises anywhere and at any time. To see results, it is recommended that you repeat the exercise four times daily.

Vaginal Pessary

A pessary is a rubber or plastic doughnut-shaped device that fits around or under the lower part of the uterus (cervix), helping to prop up the uterus and hold it in place. A health care provider will fit and insert the pessary, which must be cleaned frequently and removed before sex.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

ERT refers to a woman taking supplements of hormones such as estrogen alone or estrogen with another hormone called progesterone (progestin in its synthetic form). ERT replaces hormones that a woman's body should be making or used to make.¹ Taking estrogen may help to limit further weakness of the muscles and other connective tissues that support the uterus. However, there are some drawbacks to taking estrogen, such as an increased risk of blood clots, gallbladder disease and breast cancer. The decision to use ERT must be made with your doctor after carefully weighing all of the risks and benefits.

¹ "Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)," National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. www.nichd.hih.gov. URL: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/estrogen_replacement_therapy.cfm

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci^® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Content provided by Intuitive Surgical. For more information on this topic, please visit www.davincisurgery.com

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