Symptoms of uterine prolapse

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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The main symptom of uterine prolapse is the protrusion of a mass from the vaginal opening. Uterine prolapse can be divided into three degrees. In the first degree of uterine prolapse, only the cervix is visible at the vaginal opening. At this stage, symptoms are not very pronounced and may include rapid urination or urinary incontinence. In the second degree, the cervix and part of the uterine body protrude from the vaginal opening. This can lead to difficulty walking or abrasion, and bleeding from the vaginal opening may occur. If the entire uterus prolapses, it can lead to an inability to urinate or difficulty defecating. Patients may experience pain in the lower abdomen or difficulties and abrasion while walking, and severe cases can lead to bleeding from the cervix or significant discharge, potentially resulting in infection.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long after natural childbirth is it easy for uterine prolapse to occur?

In clinical practice, it is common to see cases of uterine prolapse after natural childbirth. This is mainly because during pregnancy, the uterus is prone to various downward pressures. If the body has some imperfections in function, this can lead to uterine prolapse. After childbirth, some women may experience uterine prolapse as soon as one month, or even ten days or eight days postpartum. However, due to the increasing awareness and importance placed on postnatal confinement after natural childbirth, the incidence of uterine prolapse is decreasing. It is advised that women should rest during confinement and avoid heavy physical labor.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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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.