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LOSS
OF MEMORY
Memory
consists of remembering what has previously been learned. It
would be better, however, to say that memory consists of
learning, retaining and remembering what has previously been
learned. For when someone remembers a person's name, for
example, he demonstrates both that he learned the name at some
previous time and he had retained it during the intervening time
when he might never have once thought of it. Retention is
inactive, remembering is active and both are included under the
general head of memory.
There are several different
ways of remembering. The two principal ones are 'recalling' and
'recognizing'. When one recalls a person's name, he says it
either aloud or to himself. But he may be unable to recall the
name and still feel that he has not entirely forgotten it. Thus,
memory is a psychic phenomena and the loss of memory is caused
by several psychic factors.
Ayurveda considers both
body and mind to be closely interlinked. According to Ayurveda,
no phenomenon is exclusively physical or mental. The body or
mind might predominate in one case and might work as a secondary
factor in another case. Thus for good memory as also for the
treatment of loss of memory, both psychic and physical factors
are held to be effective.
The seat of the 'mind' is the
heart. The brain only regulates various manifestations of the
mind. A drug, which tones up or soothes the cells of the heart
and the brain, is considered to act on the mind and this may
help in learning, retaining and remembering.
Treatment
When
the power of learning, retaining and remembering is impaired, to
correct it, a drug called brahmi is popularly used. It is of two
types-one variety is called Matsyaksi (Bacopa monnieri), and the
other variety is called Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica). Both
these herbs are equally useful in promoting memory. They grow in
marshy land near perennial streams. The juice of these plants is
used in medicine. About one ounce of the juice is given to the
patient twice daily on an empty stomach. Both of them are bitter
and astringent. The former is exceedingly bitter. It is
therefore administered with some honey to make it delicious. The
fat soluble fraction of this drug is exceedingly useful as a
promoter of memory. Cow's ghee is well known for its tonic
effect on both the heart and the brain. Therefore medicated ghee
is prepared by boiling Brahmi, alongwith some other drugs, in
pure cow's ghee. This preparation is called Brahmighrta. One
teaspoonful of this ghee is given to the patient twice daily on
an empty stomach. This medicated ghee is added to a cup of warm
milk, mixed with sugar, and taken after stirring well till it
melts and well mixed with the milk. This preparation is found to
be more useful when the patient suffering from loss of memory is
emaciated.
The other drug used by Ayurvedic physicians
in the treatment of this condition is called vaca (Acorus
calamus). This herb also grows in marshy land. The rhizome or
root of this plant is used in medicine. It is cleaned properly
and then made to a fine powder by grinding. One teaspoonful of
this powder should be given to the patient twice daily mixed
with honey or cow's ghee. Many Ayurvedic preparations for the
promotion of memory like Sarasvata curna contain, among others
brahmi and vaca.
Diet
Food
ingredients, which are sweet, are useful in this condition.
Cow's milk, cow's ghee and other preparations of cow's milk are
considered to be exceedingly useful in this condition. Pungent
and spicy food articles, and things having bitter and astringent
taste are not useful in this condition. They should be avoided
as far as possible. Almond and almond-oil are very useful in
promoting memory. Amalaki (fruits of Emblica offcinalis) is very
useful and can be given to the patient in the form of murabba,
pickles and vegetables.
Other
regimens
All the medicines mentioned above act
very well when there is mental peace. Therefore, all care should
be taken to keep the patient free from worries, anxieties,
emotional-stress and strain. The patient should be advised to
follow religious practices and adopt religious prayers.
Meditation for some time according to the method prescribed in
Yoga serves a very useful purpose in promoting and correcting
memory.
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SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia
is a chronic mental disorder characterized by lack of
association, hallucinations and delusions. It is variously
classified according to the predominant symptoms and the time of
onset. In ayurveda it is called Unmada.
Causative
factors
Psychic stress and strain are primarily
responsible for the causation of this disease. Irregularity in
food and constipation often aggravate the condition.
Signs
and symptoms
The signs and symptoms vary
considerably in different types of schizophrenia. The patient is
unable to sleep, talks and acts incoherently, and often becomes
violent.
Treatment
Dhara
is considered to be the best therapy for this condition.
Normally ksirbala taila is used in dhara for the treatment. This
oil is kept in an earthen vessel over the forehead of the
patient and the vessel is adjusted in such a way that continuous
drops of this medicated oil fall from the bottom of the vessel
onto the place between the two eyebrows of the patient. This
should be done once daily. By this process the patient sleeps
well and recovers from the disease slowly. Jatamansi
(Nardostachys jatamansi), vaca (Acorus calamus) and sarpagandha
(Rouwolfia serpentina) are popularly used for this disease. In a
powder form, these are given to the patient in a dose of one
teaspoonful (separately or in a compound form) three times a day
with milk or cold water. This brings about tranquility of mind.
Vatakulantaka
rasa is often used for the treatment of this condition. It is
mercurial preparation, which is used in a dose of one tablet
three times a day mixed with honey.
Diet
Pulses,
beans and fried things should be avoided. Milk, ghee and butter
should be given to the patient in a sufficiently large quantity.
Pungent and astringent things are not useful in this condition.
Saffron is very useful.
Other
regimens
Since this is primarily a psychic
disease, psychotherapy is considered to be very useful in its
treatment. The patient should be induced to offer prayers and
observe religious rites. Meditation serves a very useful purpose
in curing these patients. Factors, which are responsible for
psychic stress and strain should be ascertained and removed.
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LEUCORRHEA
This
is characterized by a whitish discharge from the female genital
tract. This is a very common trouble with ladies and is often
associated with infection of the genital tract by some organism.
Causative
factors
Organisms apart, some metabolic and
hormonal disturbances are responsible for the causation of this
disease. The discharge from the genital tract produces foul
smell if there is infection. The consistency of the discharge
varies from patient to patient depending upon the age and the
menstrual phase when the patient is afflicted with this trouble.
In
ayurveda, this is considered to be caused by the aggravation or
vitiation of kapha dosa. This commonly occurs in patients who
are weak, emaciated and anemic.
Patients suffering from
chronic leucorrhoea become irritable and it is often associated
with digestive disturbances. There is always some difficulty in
moving the bowels. They develop a black circular patch around
their eyes, which is very characteristic from the diagnostic
point of view. Remaining awake at night for long often
precipitates the attacks of this trouble. There is a vicious
circle between the disease leucorrhoea and mental worry. They
are usually associated with each other.
Treatment
For
the treatment of this ailment, it is always necessary to locate
the exact causative factor for this trouble. Regular douching of
the genital tract with a decoction of the bark of banyan tree
and fig tree is very useful in this condition. One tablespoonful
of the powder of each of these two barks should be boiled in one
liter of water and reduced to half. The decoction is then to be
filtered and the powder thrown away. With this decoction when it
is slightly (tolerably) warm, douching should be performed. This
decoction keeps the tissue cells of this area healthy. The
popular medicine used by Ayurvidic physician in this condition
is Pradarantakalauha. This drug contains some bhasmas of metals.
The most important one is the bhasma of iron. For the
preparation of this medicine, the ingredients are triturated
with the juice of kumari (Aloe vera). Four grains of this drug
is given to the patient three times a day with honey.
Kumari
alone is also used in the treatment of this condition. It tones
up the tissue cells of the uterus and the genital tract and
prevents exudation of abnormal fluid. This plant grows wild in
all parts of India. In some places it is also cultivated. It is
commonly planted in the hedge of gardens. When fully matured
this plant produces beautiful pink flowers which serves the
purpose of decoration. It grows luxuriantly in sandy areas. When
the outer skin of the leaf of this plant is removed, a fleshy
pulp comes out which is used for the extraction of juice. One
ounce of this is to be given to the patient two times daily with
a little honey added to it preferably on an empty stomach. This
juice stimulates the liver, promotes digestion and regulates the
bowels. It has some effect in correcting the hormonal imbalances
by which genital organs of the patient get toned up.
Ladhra
(Symlocos racemosa) is also used for the purpose of douching.
The bark of this tree is used and the decoction of this bark is
prepared on the lines suggested above. This medicine is also
used in the form of Lodhra asava. The alcoholic soluble fraction
of this drug is extracted through a special process during which
some other drugs are added to it. One ounce of this drug is
given to the patient twice daily after food with equal quantity
of water. Tankana or alum is also used both externally and
internally for the treatment of this condition. Alum is fried in
a vessel over fire and then made to a powder. One teaspoonful of
this powder is added to the decoctions described above and used
for the purpose of douching. Two grains of this powder are mixed
with two grains of Pradarantaka lauha and given to the patient
twice daily on an empty stomach mixed with honey. Along with all
these medicines described above Tandulodaka (rice-wash) is given
as a means to accelerate their action. Rice-wash alone is also
useful when taken internally for the cure of this disease.
Diet
Fried
things and spicy food should not be given to the patient. The
patient should not be permitted to keep her stomach empty for
long time. She should not take heavy, indigestible food
articles. Sour things especially pickle and curd, are
prohibited. Intake of supari (Areca nut) after taking food is
very useful both for prevention and cure of this disease. This
practice is commonly prevalent among the ladies in some parts of
India.
Other regimens
As
far as possible, the patient should be free from worries and she
should not keep herself awake for long at night, Sexual
intercourse during the attack of this disease is prohibited. A
brisk walk in the early morning helps in the early cure of this
disease. Sanitary and hygienic measures should be followed
carefully.
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BULIMIA
Bulimia
Nervosa is a psychological eating disorder characterized by
episodic eating binges and pre- occupation with control of body
weight. These binges are followed by inappropriate methods of
weight control which include vomiting, fasting, enemas,
excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive
exercise. . Bulimia refers both to uncontrolled eating and to
related thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and ways of seeing
oneself.
Bulimia generally afflicts women who are
young and high achievers. Only about 10% of individuals
diagnosed of Bulimia are men. It is often difficult to determine
whether a person is suffering from Bulimia because they look
absolutely normal and some of them may even deny their
condition. While some cases of bulimia nervosa are short-lived
others may last a lifetime usually the symptoms will be present
for some months or years before a sufferer seeks help
Symptoms
Of Bulimia
According to WHO, the clinical
symptoms of bulimia include:
Persistent preoccupation with eating and an irresistible craving
for food
Episodes of overeating in which large amounts of food are
consumed in short periods of time
Excessive exercise, induced vomiting after eating, starving for
periods of time or taking drugs such as laxatives or diuretics
to counteract the bingeing
Fear of obesity which is also observed in people with anorexia
nervosa, and there is some overlap in the symptoms of these two
diseases
Dissatisfaction with the physical appearance
Sense of loss of control
Using the bathroom frequently after meals
Depression or mood swings
Swollen glands in neck and face
Heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation
Irregular periods
Dental problems, sore throat
Weakness, exhaustion bloodshot eyes
Depressed Mood
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction
Addiction
Dramatic/Erratic/Antisocial Personality
Causes
of Bulimia
There is no known cause of
Bulimia. It generally begins with an individual's over- concern
with body weight and shape. The patients suffering from bulimia
have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of
obesity.
An individual's immediate social environment
has a great role to play in the development of this disease.
Bulimia is more prevalent in professions in which thinness is
emphasized, for example, modeling, dancing, gymnastics,
wrestling, and long-distance running.
Medical
Complications with Bulimia
Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic
gastric contents
Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food
Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated
vomiting)
Stomach Ulcers
Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines
Disruption in the normal bowel release function
Electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration
Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack
A greater risk for suicidal behavior
Decrease in libido
10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from either
starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or
suicide.
Treatment
The
treatment for Bulimia is directed to the disease as well as to
the problems associated with it particularly depression. The
most common treatment given to patients suffering from Bulimia
involves psychological therapy including cognitive behavior
therapy. A combination of anti- depressant drug therapy and
psycho-therapy is used to fight the disease.
What
you can do to help yourself?
Be patient and
understanding with yourself. Some of the exercises you can
undertake to reduce the impact and control the damage caused by
Bulimia:-
Identify the cue by keeping a record in writing of when, how and
what of an eating binge
Do this everyday and look for patterns after a regular interval
possibly a week or so
List the behaviors actually occurring
Develop the list of activities that get your mind off thoughts
of eating
Check the self over-loading
Make a list of your should messages and evolve it into a
statement of your rights
Learn to give time to yourself and allow some imperfection to
self - there is no need to be perfect all the time
Reach out to a friend to face the feelings of loneliness,
inadequacy and insecurity
Stop being alone
Stop self- flagellation
Seek the input of a dietician
Consult a physician
Seek a support group
Participate in some group activity
Take individual counselling
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ANOREXIA
NERVOSA
An
eating disorder chiefly aflicting girls and women. It generally
starts around teenage. It is a life threatening disorder
resulting from an obsession to be thin. The people suffering
from Anorexia compulsively tend to maintain weight below 15% of
their minimal normal weight. They are terrified at the thought
of gaining weight. They believe they would be happier and more
successful if they are thin. They are generally perfectionist.
The term anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this
isn't a true symptom of the disorder. In fact, people with
anorexia are usually hungry, but they control their eating.
People with anorexia starve themselves, avoid high-calorie foods
and exercise constantly. Some patients also develop another
eating disorder called Bulimia in which partient throws up
whatever she eats or even resort to taking laxatives or
diuretics (water pills) or self- induced vomitting to keep from
gaining weight.
Warning
signs of anorexia
Deliberate self-starvation with weight loss; weight is
restricted to 15% below their minimal normal weight.
Fear of gaining weight; victims suffer from a strong, almost
overwhelming fear of putting on weight.
Refusal to eat ; feeling bloated even after a small meal.
Denial of hunger; rules are self invented regarding how much
food is allowed.
Constant exercising; rules are set for exercise after eating
certain amount of food.
Greater amounts of hair on the body or the face due to hormonal
imbalances.
Sensitivity to cold.
Absent or irregular periods or delayed development in puberty.
Loss of scalp hair
Distorted body image; a self-perception of being fat when the
person is really too thin.
Loss of interest in socializing.
Lack of concentration and Tiredness.
Constipation and stomachache.
Severe
Cases & Complications:
People who do not receive treatment may become chronically ill
or may even die.
Long spells without adequate intake of food can cause
osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and brain.
Delayed development.
Breathing, pulse, and blood pressure rates drop, and those
suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart
rhythms or heart failure.
Causes:
Anorexia
nervosa has its genesis in behavioral and environmental
influences than in physical factors. The disease is morw common
in western world and more prevalent in certain professions such
as modelling, singing and dancing.
Low self-esteem, social isolation, and a perfectionist attitude
is one of the reason people seek refuge in striving to be thin.
The sufferers generally tend to be good students and excellent
athletes.
Certain genetic factors may predispose some people to eating
disorders.
Stressful events are likely to accelerate the onset of Anorexia.
Depression appears to be linked with Anorexia.
As a
single test may not be in a position to reflect the intensity of
the disease, a combination of diagnostic tools have been
recommended by doctors associated with the research and study of
Lupus.
Treatment:
It
helps to start the treatment at the earliest possible. If the
treatment starts early some people can be treated as outpatients
but some patients may need hospitalization to stabilize their
dangerously low weight. There are various approaches which can
be used for treating Anorexia but the choice depends on
individual circumstances. The aim of alltreatment is to restore
healthy weight and healthy eating patterns, enlist family
support and address the underlying behavioral and emotional
problems. The approaches commonly used for treatment are:
Psycho-therapy to treat the underlying emotional and
relationship problems
Medication necessary for treating the disorder and related
compulsive and depressive symptoms
Cognitive-behavioral therapy to change abnormal thoughts and
behavior patterns
Group or family therapy for emotional support
Nutritional advice for proper diet & eating regimens
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Lupus
is an anutoimmune disease which affects virtually every system
of the body.Lupus means " wolf" and Erthematosus means
" redness". Lupus Erthematosus derives this name from
the facial rash accompanying the disease which looks like the
bite of a wolf. It is a 'self-allergy' where the body attacks
its own cells and tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and
possible organ damage. Lupus affects both sexes but it is s
called a "woman's disease" because it occurs 10-15
times more frequently in women than in men. Lupus can occur at
any age, after puberty or after the emergence into sexual
maturity. Lupus is neither infectious nor cancerous.
The
immune system which normally protects the body against viruses,
bacteria and other foreign materials, in an autoimmune disease
like lupus it looses its ability to tell the difference between
foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune
system then creates antibodies directed against "self."
Lupus
can broadly be categorized in three groups,viz., discoid
lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and
drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus.
Discoid
lupus is always limited to the skin. It is identified by a rash
that may appear on the face, neck, and scalp. Discoid lupus is
diagnosed by examining a biopsy of the rash. In discoid lupus
the biopsy will show abnormalities that are not found in skin
without the rash.
Systemic lupus is more severe
than discoid lupus, and it can affect almost any organ or system
of the body including skin, joints, lungs, blood, kidneys or any
other organ tissue. No two people suffering from systemic lupus
will have similar symptoms.
Drug induced lupus
is caused due to the use of certain drugs. It is similar to
systemic lupus but generally disappears if the drug responsible
for the allergy is discontinued. Generally hydralazine ( the
drug for treatment of hypertension) and procainamide( the drug
used for treatment of irregular heart beat) have been found to
be connected with the disease.
Symptoms:
Skin Rashes
Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
Achy joints (arthralgia)
Anemia
Fever
Swollen joints
Extreme Fatigue
Hair loss
Photo-sensitivity ( sensitivity to sun or light)
Mouth or nose ulcers
Seizures
Fingers turning white or blue in cold
Pain in the chest on deep breathing
Inflammation of the lining of the lung or heart
Excessive protein in the urine
Loss of appetite
Causes:
The
causes of Lupus are not known but genetic and environmental
appear to be at play. Some of the factor that may flare up or
trigger the disease are:
Sunlight
Infections
Injury
Surgery
Stress or exhaustion
Antibiotics
Hormones
Certain drugs
Diagnosis:
In
some patients the onset of disease is sudden and violent
resembling an acute infection while in other patients the
disease may progress through vague symptoms over several years.
Hence diagnosis of Lupus poses a challenge to medical
fraternity.
As a first step a thorough and regular
medical examination by a doctor familiar with the disease is a
must.
Investigation of medical history
Complete physical exam
Observation over a period perhaps years
Initial screening includes:
-
complete blood count ( CBC)
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Liver and kidney screening panels
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Antinuclear antibodies ( ANA) test
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A syphilis test ( VDRL)
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Urinalysis
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Blood chemistries
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Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Biopsies of the skin or kidneys
X-rays
As a single test may not be in a position to
reflect the intensity of the disease, a combination of
diagnostic tools have been recommended by doctors associated
with the research and study of Lupus.
Treatment:
Treatment
of Lupus is based on the specific needs and symptoms of each
patient, severity of the disease and the organ involved. The
commnonly prescribed medications include:
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs- generally prescribed for
rheumatic diseases.
Acetaminophen- a mild analgesic for relieving pain.
Corticosteroids (steroids) are hormones that have
anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.
Anti-malarials - to control skin and joint symptoms of lupus.
Immunomodulating drugs- to suppress inflammation and suppress
the immune system.
Anticoagulants -to prevent the blood from clotting.
Balanced diet- for a strong and healthy immune system.
An
issue related to Lupus is whether a woman suffering from Lupus
should get pregnant or not. The current medical view on this
observes there is absolutely no reason as to why she should not
become pregnant unless some crucial organ, such as central
nervous system, kidney, or heart and lungs, is involved. A
pregnant woman with Lupus, however, needs to be carefully
monitored.
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Urinary
Incontinence refers to the inability to control urination - the
involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. It affects both
sexes but women are more commonly affected. It may be temporary
or permanent. The process of urination begins when waste fluids
flow out of the kidneys into two long tubes called ureters. The
ureters empty into the bladder, which rests on top of the pelvic
floor, a muscular structure similar to a sling running between
the pubic bone and the base of the spine. As the bladder fills
to its capacity of 8 to 16 oz of fluid, its nerves send signals
of fullness to the spinal cord and the brain. The brain
regulates the muscles in the urinary tract partly by means of a
pathway of nerve cells and neurotransmitters (chemical
messengers) called the cholinergic and adrenergic systems. While
the bladder is filling, the brain signals the bladder to relax.
As the bladder swells, the sensation becomes conscious and a
person voluntarily contracts the muscles to prevent urination.
When the person wants to urinate, the spinal cord initiates the
voiding reflex, an automatic process in which the muscles
surrounding the bladder, called the detrusor muscles, contract
and the internal sphincter, a strong muscle encircling the
bladder neck, relaxes. When the bladder neck is open, urine
flows out of the bladder into the urethra. These muscles are
involuntary; that is, they require no conscious effort for
contraction or relaxation. Once the urine enters the urethra,
the lowest part of the urinary tract, a person consciously
relaxes a voluntary muscle called the external sphincter and
allows urination. Thus urine is generally prevented from leaking
by the urinary sphincter.
Urinary incontinence is
generally divided into four groups, according to the malfunction
involved: stress, urge, overflow, and functional incontinence.
For many women leakage of a small amount of urine on an
occasional basis is normal and does not hamper their life in any
way while for others it can be serious enough to necessitate
changing clothes. Such women need appropriate medical help to
combat the condition.
Causes:
Some
of the factors that result in urinary incontinence may include
the following:
The bladder sphincter gives way under slightest strain such as
coughing, sneezing or jerks.
Weakening of the muscles of the pelvic floor that surround the
bladder restricts the retention.
Sometimes leakage is caused by the bladder sending a message to
the brain that it is full, too early and the bladder muscle
begin the voiding act.
Urinary infections are another reason for incontinence.
Overactive or unstable bladder can also lead to Urinary
incontinence.
Nerve problems associated with stroke, dementia, multiple
sclerosis or spinal injury many a time are the cause of the
incontinence.
Narrowing of the urethra.
Drugs or medication may sometime cause incontinence.
Diagnosis:
The doctor may investigate the medical history besides
physically examining vagina, rectum.
Bacteriology and microscopy to establish the infections
responsible for incontinence.
X-ray or ultra-sound to check the kidney and tubes.
Urodynamics studies for measurement of flow and pressure.
Cystoscopy will help in ascertaining the inside condition of the
bladder.
Advice may be sought from a specialist which in this case
happens to be a urologist.
Treatment:
Selection
of treatment options will depend on the health of women, type of
malfunctioning and severity of the complication.
Most of the cases however can be managed by simple medical
treatment.
Pelvic floor exercises can help in the strengthening of the
muscles.
Collagen injections around the neck of the bladder are used for
patients who need surgery but the status of their health does
not allow the same.
Colposuspension- the pulling forward and stitching of the top of
the vagina can be used successfully to treat the condition.
Surgical Tape procedure - a relatively new procedure help
achieve the same result as colposuspension.
Laproscopic surgery is also emerging as a new technique to
tackle the problem.
Bladder training to send the timely messages to the brain can
also help control the malady.
Drugs can be taken that reduce the excitability of the bladder
detrusor muscle.
Hormone Replacement Therapy can be applied for menopausal women.
Dilation of the urethra.
What
you can do?
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetable and cereals to avoid
constipation.
Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid every day.
Reduce intake of tea, coffee and cola or any other caffinated
beverages.
Make walking a regular exercise.
Dress up in more manageable clothes.
Avoid intake of beverages three hours before going to bed in
case frequent visits for urination are required at night.
Avoid strain and heavy lifting.
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Genital
prolapse is a more general term which includes several
conditions, which may occur separately or in combination. These
include uterine prolapse (dropped womb), vaginal prolapse,
cystocele (dropped bladder), rectocele (dropped rectum), and
enterocele (herniation of small bowel into the space between the
rectum and vagina).
A combination of muscles and
ligaments in the pelvis called the pelvic floor support the
uterus and vagina, keeping them in their correct position inside
the pelvis. Deliveries as well as the normal ageing process may
weaken the pelvic floor and result in a prolapse.
Sometimes
a woman will only have one part of the vagina involved in her
prolapse or it may be a combination of the vagina and the
uterus.
Symptoms:
Pelvic heaviness or pressure or pulling in the pelvis
Anus painA feeling as if "sitting on a small ball"
Protrusion of tissue
Pelvic pain
Impaired coitus
Difficult or painful sexual intercourse
Lower back pain
Constipation
Difficulty in walking
Difficulty in urinating, straining to void
Urinary frequency & Urinary urgency
Urinary incontinence
Repeated urinary tract and bladder infections
Nausea
Purulent discharge, excessive vaginal discharge
Bleeding (rare)
Ulceration (rare
Causes:
weakness of the pelvic support ( muscles, tissue and ligament)
obstetrical trauma and lacerations sustained during child birth
Decreased estrogen ( menopause)
Congenital ( inherent) weakness of pelvic supports
Increased intra-abdominal pressure ( chronic lung diseases,
asthma, obesity heavy manual labor, heavy lifting, use of a
tight abdominal girdle.)
Chronic coughing and straining at bowel movements because of
chronic constipation
Diagnosis:
A pelvic exam
The doctor may examine the vagina and cervix with a lighted tube
A
pap smear test
Treatment
The
treatment for prolapse depends on
the woman's age and general health
desire for future pregnancies
preservation of vaginal function
degree of prolapse
associated conditions
Exercises; particularly Kegel exercises on a daily basis
strengthen the muscles. A specialist knowledge and equipment to
perform special techniques aimed at stimulating and
strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is required in advanced
cases.
Supplemental estrogen; Estrogen replacement therapy
(combined with a progestin) can improve the strength of the
pelvic floor ligaments and muscles, bring an improvement in
symptoms and increase the effectiveness of Kegel exercises.
Inserting a pessary; it is a diaphragm-like device of rubber
around the cervix to help prop up the uterus. It has certain
drawbacks The pessary does have drawbacks- it may dislodge or
cause irritation, it may interfere with intercourse, and it must
be removed regularly for cleaning.
Watchful waiting.
Surgical treatments; tightening the muscles without taking out
uterus. Surgery to correct prolapse requires great expertise and
meticulous attention to details. Surgical repair depends on the
type of prolapse. Surgical repairis carried by pulling the
weakened muscles of the pelvic floor with stitches in order to
make the pelvic floor stronger.
Hysterectomy; doctors recommend this when the symptoms are
bothersome or the disease has reached an advance state.
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