Causes of uterine prolapse

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The graded treatment for uterine prolapse is what?

According to the severity of female uterine prolapse, it can be categorized into first, second, and third degrees. For first and second degrees, non-surgical treatment methods can be used, such as the commonly practiced anal contraction exercises, which are a type of pelvic floor muscle training. The specific method involves contracting the anus for three seconds, then relaxing, and repeating this action 15 to 30 times per set. Depending on one's physical condition, two to three sets can be done each day. Generally, significant results can be seen after six to eight weeks of consistent practice. Additionally, some women who refuse surgery, such as older women, can also use a uterine pessary. Moreover, for mild or moderate uterine prolapse, treatments such as acupuncture and taking traditional Chinese medicine orally, such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, can be used. For severe uterine prolapse, surgery is often necessary, but the specific choice depends on various factors such as the woman's age, reproductive needs, and quality of life requirements. For example, older women in their seventies or eighties who might have poor physical condition and possibly no sexual activity might consider undergoing a vaginal closure procedure.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a belly band be used for uterine prolapse?

For patients with uterine prolapse, the initial treatment adopted is pelvic floor exercises. The use of abdominal binders is less common clinically, as abdominal binders can only tighten the lower abdomen and have no significant effect on uterine prolapse. If the patient's symptoms of uterine prolapse are severe, it is recommended that the patient seeks medical evaluation at a local hospital. If necessary, surgical repair treatment may be required.