Symptoms of postpartum uterine prolapse

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on March 23, 2025
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to self-check for uterine prolapse

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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should not be eaten with uterine prolapse?

When a woman has uterine prolapse, it is best to avoid eating foods that are high in fats, such as fatty lamb chops and greasy pork, as these can lead to obesity in women, increase intra-abdominal pressure, and worsen symptoms of uterine prolapse. Also, avoid eating overly spicy foods, as spicy foods can induce constipation in women. Additionally, for some women who suffer from respiratory diseases, such as chronic pharyngitis, who already experience chronic coughing, eating spicy foods can exacerbate coughing symptoms, increase abdominal pressure, and lead to worsening uterine prolapse.

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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.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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Can a uterine prolapse be detected with an ultrasound?

Uterine prolapse is generally not diagnosed through ultrasound, as the standard for diagnosing uterine prolapse is a gynecological exam. During the gynecological examination, the level to which the cervix has descended is observed, whether it is in the middle of the vagina or has reached the vaginal opening, and in severe cases of uterine prolapse, the cervix can protrude out of the vaginal opening. Of course, if there is uterine prolapse, it can also be detected during an ultrasound, where the significantly lower position of the uterus is evident. However, in reality, to diagnose uterine prolapse, an ultrasound is not strictly necessary; a simple gynecological exam can suffice for diagnosis.

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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.