How to recover from uterine prolapse?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

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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.

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What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?

Mild uterine prolapse may have no clinical symptoms, while severe cases can feel a sense of falling and lower back pain, along with a mass protruding from the vagina. This mass may increase and the sensation of falling becomes more pronounced with long periods of standing, vigorous activity, or increased abdominal pressure. If there is a bulge in the anterior vaginal wall or the bladder, with the urethra and the posterior angle of the bladder becoming sharp, it can lead to difficulty urinating or urinary retention. If a urinary tract infection occurs subsequently, symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination may arise. If the bulge in the bladder coincides with a urethral bulge and a complete protrusion of the anterior vaginal wall, where the posterior angle of the urethra and bladder disappears, urinary leakage can occur during coughing, straining, or other activities that increase abdominal pressure, leading to what is called stress urinary incontinence.

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Can you have intercourse with uterine prolapse?

Generally, it is possible, but it specifically depends on the condition of the disease. In severe cases of uterine prolapse, the entire uterus can protrude outside the vaginal opening, obstructing the passage for intercourse, making intercourse impossible. In mild cases of uterine prolapse or bulging, although it does not significantly affect intercourse, it can affect the quality of intercourse and cause abnormal sensations. Uterine prolapse is classified into three grades: first grade where the cervix is just above the hymen, second grade where both the cervix and part of the uterine body prolapse outside the vagina, and third grade where the entire uterine body is prolapsed outside the vagina. If suffering from uterine prolapse, it is recommended to seek active treatment, as early-stage uterine prolapse can be improved through physical therapy and exercise.

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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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Can uterine prolapse heal itself?

Uterine prolapse is generally difficult to heal completely on its own. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position along the vagina, with the cervical external os reaching below the level of the ischial spine, or even the entire uterus protruding outside the vaginal opening. This condition is difficult to recover from by itself. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of uterine prolapse are generally attributed to physical weakness or deficiency of Qi and blood. Therefore, it may be appropriate to use some tonic Chinese herbal medicines for treatment. Additionally, comprehensive conditioning through diet and exercise can also be beneficial. Enhancing nutrition by consuming foods such as black chicken, Chinese yam, goji berries, and jujube, which are considered to have tonic effects in traditional Chinese medicine, can strengthen the body and improve conditions like uterine prolapse, providing significant help. If the prolapse is beyond the hymen and symptomatic, surgical treatment should be considered.