Will intercourse worsen uterine prolapse?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What does a uterine prolapse feel like to the touch?

Under normal circumstances, the uterus of a woman is located deep in the pelvic cavity and is usually not palpable through the abdomen. When a woman has a mild uterine prolapse, the body of the uterus cannot be felt at the vulva either. It is only when a woman experiences moderate to severe uterine prolapse, with part or the entire body of the uterus protruding outside the vagina, that it becomes palpable to the touch. The exposed part can cause local hyperplasia, ulceration and other phenomena due to friction with undergarments, giving a feeling of enlargement upon touch. During gynecological examinations, it can be observed that most women with uterine prolapse have relatively lax vaginal walls. When these women cough, there is a noticeable downward movement of the cervix, which impacts the finger, and the entire cervix may appear enlarged and thickened.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to exercise for uterine prolapse

When women suffer from mild to moderate uterine prolapse, they can improve their condition through certain exercises. This method of exercise is called Kegel exercises. The specific way to do it is to contract the anus for 3 seconds, then relax, and repeat this action 25 to 30 times as one set. Depending on one's physical condition, 2 to 3 sets can be done each day. The principle of this exercise is to progress from simple to complex, and from doing Kegel exercises without any additional weight to doing them with added weight. How should this be understood? Some women perform Kegel exercises while standing, and due to the influence of gravity, there is certain pressure inside the abdominal cavity, making it difficult for them to grasp how to perform the exercise properly. In such cases, it can be helpful to lie down and perform Kegel exercises, as the pelvic floor muscles can then function well without any weight. Afterwards, they can progress to sitting, standing, and even walking while doing these exercises.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does uterine prolapse affect pregnancy?

Uterine prolapse, as long as it does not affect sexual intercourse, generally does not impact the ability to conceive. Uterine prolapse can be classified into three degrees. First-degree uterine prolapse does not affect pregnancy since it allows for normal sexual activity. However, in the case of third-degree uterine prolapse, the uterus has prolapsed out of the vagina and sometimes cannot be repositioned, thus interfering with sexual activity and affecting the ability to conceive. Therefore, whether uterine prolapse impacts pregnancy depends on the patient's condition, as well as whether they have normal menstruation or normal endocrine function.

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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.)