Causes of uterine prolapse

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you run with a prolapsed uterus?

Uterine prolapse is classified into mild, moderate, and severe degrees. Patients with uterine prolapse are advised against running and standing for extended periods. Constipation can exacerbate uterine prolapse, thus it is also generally advised against running or standing for long durations for those affected. Patients with uterine prolapse should certainly seek hospital treatment suited to their specific condition. Mild prolapse can be managed with a pessary or simply with rest and observation. For moderate to severe uterine prolapse, surgical options such as ligament suspension procedures can be considered. In severe cases, such as third-degree uterine prolapse, a vaginal hysterectomy might be performed as a treatment. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients with uterine prolapse avoid running.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long after natural childbirth is it easy for uterine prolapse to occur?

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 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 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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you still have children with uterine prolapse?

Most women with uterine prolapse are not affected in their ability to become pregnant and give birth normally. However, in rare cases, symptoms can be severe when women suffer from uterine prolapse, with part of the uterus protruding outside the vagina. This may cause friction with the underwear, leading to localized ulcers or even infections, causing purulent vaginal discharge or bleeding. This can affect the normal passage of sperm and impact normal pregnancy. For these women, anti-inflammatory treatment can be administered first. After healing, it generally does not affect normal conception. After conception, as the size of the uterus increases and moves from the pelvic cavity into the abdominal cavity, the symptoms of uterine prolapse tend to decrease.