Can you have sexual intercourse with uterine prolapse?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
00:00
00:00

When a woman experiences uterine prolapse, it generally does not affect normal sexual activity, as symptoms might improve in a supine position, regardless of the type of prolapse. For instance, with moderate uterine prolapse, where the cervix protrudes beyond the vaginal opening, it might retract back into place when lying down. However, during sexual activity, cleanliness and hygiene should be considered. When uterine prolapse is severe, part of the uterus may be exposed at or outside the vaginal opening. Prolonged walking or other activities can cause friction, leading to possible cervical erosion and infections. Therefore, during intercourse, actions should not be too rough as it may exacerbate erosions or cause bleeding.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
56sec home-news-image

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

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
51sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
43sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
48sec home-news-image

Does uterine prolapse affect pregnancy?

Under normal circumstances, it is still necessary to determine the degree of uterine prolapse to understand whether it affects pregnancy. If the degree of uterine prolapse is mild, and it is just the cervix bulging into the vaginal wall, it generally does not have a significant impact on a normal pregnancy. If the uterine prolapse is more severe, and part of the cervix or part of the uterus has prolapsed beyond the hymen, this condition is considered to be within a mild range of 2nd to 3rd degree of prolapse. This severity of uterine prolapse can greatly impact pregnancy, and it is very easy to lead to miscarriage after becoming pregnant. Therefore, it is still necessary to undergo surgical repair before attempting to conceive.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
45sec home-news-image

Can pelvic organ prolapse be detected by ultrasound?

For uterine prolapse, ultrasound examination mostly cannot detect it. The preferred method of examination for uterine prolapse is gynecological examination. Gynecological examination can observe the position of the vaginal cervix, effectively assess uterine prolapse, and determine its grade. This helps to clarify whether it is a prolapse of the anterior uterine wall, the posterior uterine wall, or the uterus itself. Based on the results of the examination, the next step in the treatment plan can be formulated. In cases of severe uterovaginal prolapse, surgical treatment may be necessary when required.