What should I do if I have uterine prolapse during menstruation?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 04, 2025
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The normal position of the uterus is within the female pelvis. When a prolapse occurs, the uterus gradually descends downwards. In cases of mild to moderate uterine prolapse, since the majority of the uterus remains inside the vagina, there is no particular need for special attention during menstruation—regular care will suffice. In severe cases of uterine prolapse, the uterus might completely protrude outside the vaginal opening. In such circumstances, extra care may be needed during menstruation to prevent menstrual blood from staining undergarments. You might need to use larger sanitary pads; other than that, there is nothing particularly different that needs attention. Additionally, remember to change sanitary pads and underwear regularly to avoid potential infections.

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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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Can you still have children with uterine prolapse?

Most women with uterine prolapse are not affected in their ability to become pregnant and give birth normally. However, in rare cases, symptoms can be severe when women suffer from uterine prolapse, with part of the uterus protruding outside the vagina. This may cause friction with the underwear, leading to localized ulcers or even infections, causing purulent vaginal discharge or bleeding. This can affect the normal passage of sperm and impact normal pregnancy. For these women, anti-inflammatory treatment can be administered first. After healing, it generally does not affect normal conception. After conception, as the size of the uterus increases and moves from the pelvic cavity into the abdominal cavity, the symptoms of uterine prolapse tend to decrease.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to exercise for uterine prolapse

When women suffer from mild to moderate uterine prolapse, they can improve their condition through certain exercises. This method of exercise is called Kegel exercises. The specific way to do it is to contract the anus for 3 seconds, then relax, and repeat this action 25 to 30 times as one set. Depending on one's physical condition, 2 to 3 sets can be done each day. The principle of this exercise is to progress from simple to complex, and from doing Kegel exercises without any additional weight to doing them with added weight. How should this be understood? Some women perform Kegel exercises while standing, and due to the influence of gravity, there is certain pressure inside the abdominal cavity, making it difficult for them to grasp how to perform the exercise properly. In such cases, it can be helpful to lie down and perform Kegel exercises, as the pelvic floor muscles can then function well without any weight. Afterwards, they can progress to sitting, standing, and even walking while doing these exercises.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of uterine prolapse

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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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.