What are the causes of uterine prolapse?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Uterine prolapse is classified into several degrees.

The current grading of uterine prolapse commonly used in China can be divided into mild, moderate, and severe. The grading is based on the position and severity of the prolapse. Generally, mild indicates that the prolapse of the uterus has not exceeded the external orifice of the vagina. Moderate indicates that part of the uterus has prolapsed beyond the vaginal orifice, and the most severe suggests that the uterus has completely prolapsed to the external orifice of the vagina. Therefore, a gynecological examination is needed in the clinic for assessment.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence?

Uterine prolapse is mostly caused by childbirth injuries, long-term increase in abdominal pressure, or the degenerative changes and poor development of pelvic floor tissues. Mild uterine prolapse generally does not have noticeable symptoms. Severe uterine prolapse often accompanies anterior vaginal wall prolapse, which can lead to urinary retention and stress urinary incontinence, commonly referred to as leakage of urine. In cases of uterine prolapse with urine leakage, treatment requires enhanced nutrition, appropriate arrangement of rest and work, avoidance of heavy physical labor, and maintaining smooth bowel movements. Active treatment of chronic negative pressure increase diseases, such as constipation and chronic cough, is necessary. When uterine prolapse results in urine leakage, surgical treatment is generally required. Pelvic floor tissue repair is done, and in severe cases, hysterectomy is necessary along with the repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls for effective treatment.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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 Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine prolapse be seen with the naked eye?

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position, falling along the vaginal opening and moving out of its normal location, with the cervix or the entire uterus reaching or completely coming out of the vaginal opening. The main causes of uterine prolapse are childbirth injuries, prolonged increased abdominal pressure, and poor development of pelvic floor tissues. In mild cases of uterine prolapse, patients mostly do not have any symptoms and the condition is only identified during a gynecological examination. However, in severe cases of uterine prolapse, patients feel a mass coming out of the vaginal opening while walking, working, or squatting, and in serious cases, the entire uterus can completely prolapse out of the vaginal opening, becoming visible to the naked eye.