How to self-check for uterine prolapse

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 30, 2025
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Uterine prolapse can be self-detected. If you feel a swelling in the genital area, or something protruding by itself that disappears when lying flat, there is a high probability of uterine prolapse or significant bulging of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall. This method can be used for self-examination. It is best to visit a hospital for an annual gynecological check-up and ultrasound. Through a gynecological internal examination, the doctor can indirectly assess the condition of the cervix. Therefore, mild uterine prolapse is generally not detectable by oneself, and such conditions generally require a gynecological internal examination in a hospital for a definitive diagnosis. Only in cases of severe prolapse will abnormalities be noticeable.

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Symptoms of uterine prolapse

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 Liu Jian Wei
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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.

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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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The main causes of uterine prolapse

The causes of uterine prolapse in women are complex, with the most common being pregnancy and childbirth, especially multiple childbirths, which can lead to damage to a woman's pelvic floor muscles. Some women experience this during vaginal delivery using instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors, which can injure the pelvic muscles and lead to uterine prolapse. Some women may engage in heavy physical labor too soon after childbirth before their pelvic floor functions have recovered, affecting the recovery of pelvic tissue tension and leading to uterine prolapse. Additionally, uterine prolapse may also occur in women who are overweight, suffer from internal medical conditions such as chronic cough, ascites, or constipation, which increase the pressure inside the abdominal cavity.

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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.