Does uterine prolapse affect menstruation?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 03, 2025
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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.

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Symptoms of postpartum uterine prolapse

When postpartum women experience uterine prolapse, they often feel a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, noticing a swollen mass protruding from the vulva. Postpartum uterine prolapse can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe prolapse. In mild cases, there is generally just a sensation of heaviness, while moderate to severe prolapse can cause difficulties in urinating and urinary incontinence. Additionally, during a gynecological examination, a protruding cervix can be detected near the entrance of the vagina, and when this condition occurs, timely rehabilitative treatment is necessary.

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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 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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does cesarean delivery easily cause uterine prolapse?

After a cesarean section, there is also a certain chance of uterine prolapse occurring. The occurrence of uterine prolapse is mainly related to the number of childbirths, the size of the fetus during childbirth, and factors such as whether there were difficulties during delivery or the use of vaginal delivery assistance. Cesarean section can to some extent reduce the incidence of uterine prolapse. Cesarean delivery can improve or avoid conditions such as uterine prolapse and bladder protrusion, and other pelvic organ prolapse diseases. However, this practice is not advocated and should only be performed in necessary cases. Natural childbirth is still recommended as the best method. If pelvic floor dysfunction occurs, repair can be conducted after childbirth.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
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Can postpartum constipation cause uterine prolapse?

If there is severe constipation after childbirth, and it is not corrected in time, long-term constipation can lead to uterine prolapse in women. Postpartum constipation increases abdominal pressure, which affects the recovery of pelvic floor muscles, causing the loss of support in the pelvic floor muscles and thus leading to uterine prolapse. However, the main factor contributing to uterine prolapse is not constipation but the damage caused by childbirth, which is the primary cause. After childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles are weakened. Whether standing, bearing weight, or holding breath for a long period, thereby increasing abdominal pressure, can lead to the inability of the pelvic floor tissues to support and stabilize the internal organs of the pelvis, resulting in a prolapse.