How long after natural childbirth is it easy for uterine prolapse to occur?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on November 14, 2024
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In clinical practice, it is common to see cases of uterine prolapse after natural childbirth. This is mainly because during pregnancy, the uterus is prone to various downward pressures. If the body has some imperfections in function, this can lead to uterine prolapse. After childbirth, some women may experience uterine prolapse as soon as one month, or even ten days or eight days postpartum. However, due to the increasing awareness and importance placed on postnatal confinement after natural childbirth, the incidence of uterine prolapse is decreasing. It is advised that women should rest during confinement and avoid heavy physical labor.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes uterine prolapse?

The most common causes of uterine prolapse can be categorized into three types. The first type is childbirth injury, which is the main cause of uterine prolapse. During childbirth, especially with vaginal surgical assistance or prolonged second stage of labor, uterine prolapse can occur. The second cause is long-term increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic coughing, habitual constipation, prolonged standing, or weightlifting. These factors can contribute to uterine prolapse. The third type involves poor development or degenerative changes in the pelvic tissues. This mainly refers to uterine prolapse due to congenital deficiencies in pelvic floor development. Generally, childbirth injuries are the most common cause.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine prolapse be cured?

Uterine prolapse in women is treatable. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, different treatment methods are applied. For example, women with mild to moderate uterine prolapse can adopt conservative treatment methods such as pelvic floor exercises. The specific method involves contracting the anus for 3 seconds, then relaxing, and repeating this action. Do 30 repetitions per set, and based on personal physical condition, 2-3 sets can be performed daily. This can be complemented with acupoint massage or by taking traditional Chinese medicine orally to help replenish qi and blood. In cases of severe uterine prolapse, surgery is often necessary and can yield very good treatment outcomes. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will sexual intercourse cause bleeding in cases of uterine prolapse?

When women suffer from uterine prolapse, bleeding usually does not occur during intercourse. Bleeding only occurs in certain special circumstances, such as when a woman suffers from severe cervical erosion or acute cervical inflammation, where the cervical surface exhibits congestion and edema. Furthermore, some women with severe symptoms of uterine prolapse might have the cervix protruding outside the vaginal opening; the friction between the cervix and undergarments can lead to local ulcers, and even infections. In such cases, intercourse might cause bleeding from cervical trauma. Generally, the amount of bleeding is relatively small, which may manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will intercourse worsen uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse in women can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe based on the symptoms. It occurs due to damage to the pelvic floor muscles, causing the uterus to descend from its original position and protrude through the vagina. Normal sexual activity does not affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles nor exacerbate the symptoms of uterine prolapse. However, in certain cases, such as severe prolapse where part of the uterus extends beyond the vaginal opening, like when the cervix is exposed outside the vagina, friction between the cervix and underwear might occur during normal walking or activities. This friction can cause small ulcers that may bleed or become infected, producing purulent discharge during sexual intercourse.