Causes of uterine prolapse

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The main causes of uterine prolapse include pregnancy, childbirth injury to the pelvic floor muscles, long-term increase in abdominal pressure, such as chronic coughing, habitual constipation, and difficulty defecating. Prolonged heavy lifting. Long periods of squatting or standing, large pelvic tumors causing downward displacement of the uterus, or poor development of pelvic floor tissues and degenerative changes accompanied by prolapse of other organs. In menopausal women, due to the decline in sex hormone levels, the pelvic floor tissues may atrophy and degenerate, which can also lead to uterine prolapse or exacerbate its severity.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the causes of uterine prolapse?

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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Uterine prolapse bleeding, what's going on?

Uterine prolapse and vaginal bleeding typically occur due to infections related to the prolapse. Bleeding can also stem from precancerous lesions of the cervix, cervical inflammation, and other issues. Some cases involve bleeding from within the uterine cavity, which necessitates diagnostic examinations. Firstly, an examination of secretions is required, followed by an examination of the cervix to check for precancerous changes, cervical polyps, or severe cervical inflammation. Other potential causes include inflammation of the uterus, polyps of the endometrium, complications from intrauterine devices, or abnormal proliferation of the endometrium, among others.

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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 Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does uterine prolapse affect menstruation?

In most cases, uterine prolapse does not affect the normal menstrual cycle in women. However, in very rare instances where the symptoms of uterine prolapse are severe, part of the uterus may prolapse outside the vagina, such as external cervical protrusion. This can cause the cervical tissue to rub against the underwear, leading to local ulcers and even infections. At this point, this can result in the presence of purulent vaginal discharge or bleeding in women. If a woman's immune resistance decreases, the infection can ascend, causing inflammation of the uterine lining. This condition can affect the menstrual cycle, with some women experiencing increased menstrual flow. Additionally, some women may exhibit irregular cycles, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.