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Uterine prolapse
How to self-check for uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse can be self-detected. If you feel a swelling in the genital area, or something protruding by itself that disappears when lying flat, there is a high probability of uterine prolapse or significant bulging of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall. This method can be used for self-examination. It is best to visit a hospital for an annual gynecological check-up and ultrasound. Through a gynecological internal examination, the doctor can indirectly assess the condition of the cervix. Therefore, mild uterine prolapse is generally not detectable by oneself, and such conditions generally require a gynecological internal examination in a hospital for a definitive diagnosis. Only in cases of severe prolapse will abnormalities be noticeable.
What is a good treatment for uterine prolapse?
Generally, mild uterine prolapse does not have a significant impact on the body and can continue to be observed. It is also important to frequently perform anal contraction exercises to prevent the worsening of uterine prolapse. If uterine prolapse severely affects sexual life and normal daily activities, surgical treatment should be considered. This can include repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal wall, or partial cervical resection combined with repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal wall. If necessary, consider performing a vaginal hysterectomy. Regularly practicing yoga at home and running daily if possible can effectively enhance body resistance and also prevent severe uterine prolapse.
How to treat mild uterine prolapse?
In cases of mild uterine prolapse, surgical treatment is generally not chosen. Instead, patients can be advised to perform anal contraction exercises. Anal contraction exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle exercises, strengthen the muscles and fascia of the pelvic floor, enhancing its support function and alleviating the degree of uterine prolapse. Additionally, treatment methods should be selected based on the patient's age. For older patients, according to the needs of their condition, a pessary may be used to relieve symptoms.
What should not be eaten with uterine prolapse?
When a woman has uterine prolapse, it is best to avoid eating foods that are high in fats, such as fatty lamb chops and greasy pork, as these can lead to obesity in women, increase intra-abdominal pressure, and worsen symptoms of uterine prolapse. Also, avoid eating overly spicy foods, as spicy foods can induce constipation in women. Additionally, for some women who suffer from respiratory diseases, such as chronic pharyngitis, who already experience chronic coughing, eating spicy foods can exacerbate coughing symptoms, increase abdominal pressure, and lead to worsening uterine prolapse.
Can uterine prolapse have a vaginal delivery?
Uterine prolapse does not affect the width of the soft birth canal. It is still possible to have a vaginal delivery with uterine prolapse, as any form of childbirth after a full-term pregnancy can exacerbate uterine prolapse. However, uterine prolapse is not an indication for cesarean delivery; vaginal delivery should still be attempted if possible. Forty-two days after childbirth, a routine pelvic floor examination should be carried out. If there is pelvic floor dysfunction or uterine prolapse, treatment should be administered based on the severity of the condition. Eventually, some individuals may need surgical treatment, not all can be managed conservatively.
Can you run with a prolapsed uterus?
Uterine prolapse is classified into mild, moderate, and severe degrees. Patients with uterine prolapse are advised against running and standing for extended periods. Constipation can exacerbate uterine prolapse, thus it is also generally advised against running or standing for long durations for those affected. Patients with uterine prolapse should certainly seek hospital treatment suited to their specific condition. Mild prolapse can be managed with a pessary or simply with rest and observation. For moderate to severe uterine prolapse, surgical options such as ligament suspension procedures can be considered. In severe cases, such as third-degree uterine prolapse, a vaginal hysterectomy might be performed as a treatment. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients with uterine prolapse avoid running.
Symptoms of postpartum uterine prolapse
When postpartum women experience uterine prolapse, they often feel a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, noticing a swollen mass protruding from the vulva. Postpartum uterine prolapse can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe prolapse. In mild cases, there is generally just a sensation of heaviness, while moderate to severe prolapse can cause difficulties in urinating and urinary incontinence. Additionally, during a gynecological examination, a protruding cervix can be detected near the entrance of the vagina, and when this condition occurs, timely rehabilitative treatment is necessary.
Can a uterine prolapse be detected with an ultrasound?
Uterine prolapse is generally not diagnosed through ultrasound, as the standard for diagnosing uterine prolapse is a gynecological exam. During the gynecological examination, the level to which the cervix has descended is observed, whether it is in the middle of the vagina or has reached the vaginal opening, and in severe cases of uterine prolapse, the cervix can protrude out of the vaginal opening. Of course, if there is uterine prolapse, it can also be detected during an ultrasound, where the significantly lower position of the uterus is evident. However, in reality, to diagnose uterine prolapse, an ultrasound is not strictly necessary; a simple gynecological exam can suffice for diagnosis.
Does uterine prolapse affect menstruation?
In most cases, uterine prolapse does not affect the normal menstrual cycle in women. However, in very rare instances where the symptoms of uterine prolapse are severe, part of the uterus may prolapse outside the vagina, such as external cervical protrusion. This can cause the cervical tissue to rub against the underwear, leading to local ulcers and even infections. At this point, this can result in the presence of purulent vaginal discharge or bleeding in women. If a woman's immune resistance decreases, the infection can ascend, causing inflammation of the uterine lining. This condition can affect the menstrual cycle, with some women experiencing increased menstrual flow. Additionally, some women may exhibit irregular cycles, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Uterine prolapse is treated in the Department of Gynecology.
Uterine prolapse requires registration with the gynecology department as it is a type of gynecological disease. There are many causes of uterine prolapse, including pregnancy and childbirth. Particularly, vaginal delivery before childbirth or difficult deliveries involving suction can weaken the supporting strength of the pelvic fascia, ligaments, and muscles due to excessive stretching, leading to uterine prolapse. Additionally, aging, especially post-menopause, can cause an atrophy of the supporting structures, also leading to uterine prolapse. Other causes include chronic cough, abdominal effusion, and obesity, which can all lead to uterine prolapse. Therefore, once uterine prolapse occurs, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for examination to determine the extent of the prolapse, and treatment should be conducted according to the examination results.