What are the causes of uterine prolapse?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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There are many causes of uterine prolapse in women, for instance, the most common one occurs during pregnancy and childbirth, especially when methods such as forceps delivery are used, which may damage the pelvic floor muscles or injure the vaginal wall. This causes damage to the pelvic floor muscles, and if not properly recovered postpartum, it can lead to prolapse. Additionally, some women might suffer from conditions like chronic pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, long-term coughing, or have liver diseases or malignant tumors leading to a significant build-up of ascites. Frequent heavy physical labor or even simple obesity can increase abdominal pressure, causing uterine prolapse.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will sexual intercourse cause bleeding in cases of uterine prolapse?

When women suffer from uterine prolapse, bleeding usually does not occur during intercourse. Bleeding only occurs in certain special circumstances, such as when a woman suffers from severe cervical erosion or acute cervical inflammation, where the cervical surface exhibits congestion and edema. Furthermore, some women with severe symptoms of uterine prolapse might have the cervix protruding outside the vaginal opening; the friction between the cervix and undergarments can lead to local ulcers, and even infections. In such cases, intercourse might cause bleeding from cervical trauma. Generally, the amount of bleeding is relatively small, which may manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine prolapse be cured?

Uterine prolapse in women is treatable. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, different treatment methods are applied. For example, women with mild to moderate uterine prolapse can adopt conservative treatment methods such as pelvic floor exercises. The specific method involves contracting the anus for 3 seconds, then relaxing, and repeating this action. Do 30 repetitions per set, and based on personal physical condition, 2-3 sets can be performed daily. This can be complemented with acupoint massage or by taking traditional Chinese medicine orally to help replenish qi and blood. In cases of severe uterine prolapse, surgery is often necessary and can yield very good treatment outcomes. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How to check for uterine prolapse after childbirth

During routine postnatal checks after natural childbirth, it is important to evaluate the recovery of pelvic floor function, including checking for the presence and severity of uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse can be assessed in the following ways: First, a gynecological examination can be conducted. Through this examination, the condition of the uterine prolapse and the position of the cervix can be clearly identified and staged. Second, performing a perineal ultrasound can generally assess the condition of uterine prolapse and the state of pelvic floor function. Third, in cases of severe uterine prolapse, it is also necessary to perform a urinary system examination, such as urodynamic testing, because uterine prolapse often occurs simultaneously with bladder prolapse.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can mild uterine prolapse heal by itself?

Mild uterine prolapse generally involves a period of observation, as there are no specific treatments available at this stage. For mild prolapse, supports such as a pessary or oral administration of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can be used for symptomatic treatment. It is important to rest, avoid overexertion, prolonged standing, or heavy physical labor, and prevent constipation by getting plenty of rest. Observation is sufficient if there is no further progression. In cases of moderate or severe prolapse, treatment should be tailored to the situation. Moderate prolapse can generally be addressed with ligament suspension surgery. In cases of severe prolapse, where the uterus completely prolapses out of the vaginal opening, suspension surgery or a vaginal hysterectomy may be options. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)