Will intercourse worsen uterine prolapse?

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

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine prolapse heal itself?

Uterine prolapse is generally difficult to heal completely on its own. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position along the vagina, with the cervical external os reaching below the level of the ischial spine, or even the entire uterus protruding outside the vaginal opening. This condition is difficult to recover from by itself. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of uterine prolapse are generally attributed to physical weakness or deficiency of Qi and blood. Therefore, it may be appropriate to use some tonic Chinese herbal medicines for treatment. Additionally, comprehensive conditioning through diet and exercise can also be beneficial. Enhancing nutrition by consuming foods such as black chicken, Chinese yam, goji berries, and jujube, which are considered to have tonic effects in traditional Chinese medicine, can strengthen the body and improve conditions like uterine prolapse, providing significant help. If the prolapse is beyond the hymen and symptomatic, surgical treatment should be considered.

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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a common gynecological condition, primarily caused by damage to the pelvic floor tissues during childbirth. As the fetus descends during labor, it can damage the pelvic floor muscles and fascia, leading to a reduction in their supportive strength, which in turn causes the prolapse of the uterus and vagina. Additionally, aging is another main cause of uterine prolapse. As age increases, relaxation of the cervix, various uterine ligaments, and pelvic floor fascial muscles also contribute significantly to uterine prolapse.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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How is a uterine prolapse surgery performed?

Regarding how to perform surgery for uterine prolapse, first, we must define what uterine prolapse is. It mainly refers to the descent from the normal position through the vagina, with the external cervix reaching below the level of the ischial spines, or even completely protruding outside the vaginal opening, which is called uterine prolapse. Therefore, preoperative assessments need to be conducted before surgery to check for inflammation and other methods. Then, there are two types of treatments: surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical treatment mainly includes pelvic floor muscle exercises and physical therapy such as placing a uterine pessary. Surgical treatment involves surgical intervention based on the location of the prolapse.