Uterine prolapse


Can you have sexual intercourse with uterine prolapse?
When a woman experiences uterine prolapse, it generally does not affect normal sexual activity, as symptoms might improve in a supine position, regardless of the type of prolapse. For instance, with moderate uterine prolapse, where the cervix protrudes beyond the vaginal opening, it might retract back into place when lying down. However, during sexual activity, cleanliness and hygiene should be considered. When uterine prolapse is severe, part of the uterus may be exposed at or outside the vaginal opening. Prolonged walking or other activities can cause friction, leading to possible cervical erosion and infections. Therefore, during intercourse, actions should not be too rough as it may exacerbate erosions or cause bleeding.


Will intercourse worsen uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse in women can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe based on the symptoms. It occurs due to damage to the pelvic floor muscles, causing the uterus to descend from its original position and protrude through the vagina. Normal sexual activity does not affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles nor exacerbate the symptoms of uterine prolapse. However, in certain cases, such as severe prolapse where part of the uterus extends beyond the vaginal opening, like when the cervix is exposed outside the vagina, friction between the cervix and underwear might occur during normal walking or activities. This friction can cause small ulcers that may bleed or become infected, producing purulent discharge during sexual intercourse.


How is a uterine prolapse surgery performed?
Regarding how to perform surgery for uterine prolapse, first, we must define what uterine prolapse is. It mainly refers to the descent from the normal position through the vagina, with the external cervix reaching below the level of the ischial spines, or even completely protruding outside the vaginal opening, which is called uterine prolapse. Therefore, preoperative assessments need to be conducted before surgery to check for inflammation and other methods. Then, there are two types of treatments: surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical treatment mainly includes pelvic floor muscle exercises and physical therapy such as placing a uterine pessary. Surgical treatment involves surgical intervention based on the location of the prolapse.


Can uterine prolapse be seen with the naked eye?
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position, falling along the vaginal opening and moving out of its normal location, with the cervix or the entire uterus reaching or completely coming out of the vaginal opening. The main causes of uterine prolapse are childbirth injuries, prolonged increased abdominal pressure, and poor development of pelvic floor tissues. In mild cases of uterine prolapse, patients mostly do not have any symptoms and the condition is only identified during a gynecological examination. However, in severe cases of uterine prolapse, patients feel a mass coming out of the vaginal opening while walking, working, or squatting, and in serious cases, the entire uterus can completely prolapse out of the vaginal opening, becoming visible to the naked eye.


How long does it take to recover from uterine prolapse by taking Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan?
For patients with uterine prolapse, taking Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can promote the recovery of pelvic floor muscle tension and relieve local symptoms. Generally, if the symptoms are mild, the effect of taking Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can be quite significant. However, it is better to use it in combination with other treatment methods for a more pronounced effect, such as pelvic floor physiotherapy or wearing a uterine support device. For patients with mild symptoms, the effects of taking the medicine can be very noticeable and may also require a shorter duration. However, for those with more severe symptoms, the effects might not be as significant, and prolonged use of the medicine may not greatly alleviate the symptoms.


What should I do if I have uterine prolapse?
The treatment of uterine prolapse needs to be determined based on the degree of prolapse and whether the patient has any clinical symptoms. If the prolapse is mild and the patient does not display obvious clinical symptoms, conservative treatment is recommended. Conservative treatment mainly involves pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen the pelvic floor support and facilitate the repair of the prolapsed uterus. If the prolapse is severe and is accompanied by serious clinical manifestations, surgical treatment may be considered.


Natural childbirth uterine prolapse manifestations
After vaginal childbirth, women may experience uterine prolapse due to being over-fatigued or engaging in physical labor too soon. Most women with mild symptoms show no clinical signs. As the symptoms worsen, some women may feel a sense of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and this sensation intensifies when squatting or using the restroom, with a feeling of heaviness in the vulva. Some women may feel something protruding from the vagina, which can be retracted back into the vagina when lying flat; this is uterine prolapse after childbirth. Typically, this condition can be improved by performing anal contraction exercises.


Causes of uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a common gynecological condition, primarily caused by damage to the pelvic floor tissues during childbirth. As the fetus descends during labor, it can damage the pelvic floor muscles and fascia, leading to a reduction in their supportive strength, which in turn causes the prolapse of the uterus and vagina. Additionally, aging is another main cause of uterine prolapse. As age increases, relaxation of the cervix, various uterine ligaments, and pelvic floor fascial muscles also contribute significantly to uterine prolapse.


How to recover from uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse can be classified into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree prolapse. Typically, first-degree prolapse is considered mild and can generally be managed with a pessary or by performing exercises to strengthen the anal levator muscles and pelvic floor rehabilitation movements, which usually achieve the treatment purpose for mild uterine prolapse. Moderate or severe uterine prolapse must be treated according to the specific condition. In cases of severe prolapse, surgical options can be considered. Common procedures include uterine ligament suspension or vaginal hysterectomy. The treatment for uterine prolapse generally depends on age. For older individuals with severe prolapse, vaginal hysterectomy is often recommended. For younger patients with severe prolapse who wish to return to normal, uterine ligament suspension surgery is generally an option.