Causes of uterine prolapse

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The main causes of uterine prolapse include pregnancy, childbirth injury to the pelvic floor muscles, long-term increase in abdominal pressure, such as chronic coughing, habitual constipation, and difficulty defecating. Prolonged heavy lifting. Long periods of squatting or standing, large pelvic tumors causing downward displacement of the uterus, or poor development of pelvic floor tissues and degenerative changes accompanied by prolapse of other organs. In menopausal women, due to the decline in sex hormone levels, the pelvic floor tissues may atrophy and degenerate, which can also lead to uterine prolapse or exacerbate its severity.

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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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Can you have intercourse with uterine prolapse?

Generally, it is possible, but it specifically depends on the condition of the disease. In severe cases of uterine prolapse, the entire uterus can protrude outside the vaginal opening, obstructing the passage for intercourse, making intercourse impossible. In mild cases of uterine prolapse or bulging, although it does not significantly affect intercourse, it can affect the quality of intercourse and cause abnormal sensations. Uterine prolapse is classified into three grades: first grade where the cervix is just above the hymen, second grade where both the cervix and part of the uterine body prolapse outside the vagina, and third grade where the entire uterine body is prolapsed outside the vagina. If suffering from uterine prolapse, it is recommended to seek active treatment, as early-stage uterine prolapse can be improved through physical therapy and exercise.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
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Does postpartum constipation cause uterine prolapse?

Postpartum constipation generally does not lead to uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse is mainly associated with women engaging in heavy physical labor, standing for long periods, or performing strenuous activities too soon after childbirth. Additionally, prolonged coughing after childbirth or severe constipation can increase abdominal pressure, which may lead to uterine prolapse. Furthermore, multiple pregnancies or improper handling during childbirth, especially in cases of difficult labor, can easily cause damage to the tissues around the uterus, including tears, which can result in uterine prolapse.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the clinical manifestations of uterine prolapse?

When women experience uterine prolapse, the clinical symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. For instance, mild uterine prolapse often does not cause any discomfort. Severe uterine prolapse, however, may be due to the pulling of the uterus, leading to a reflex tension in the surrounding ligaments and causing congestion in the pelvic area. Women may feel pain in their sacral or lower abdominal area, which intensifies with excessive fatigue or prolonged standing. Some women may also experience stress urinary incontinence or changes in bowel behavior, such as constipation.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
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Does uterine prolapse affect pregnancy?

Uterine prolapse, as long as it does not affect sexual intercourse, generally does not impact the ability to conceive. Uterine prolapse can be classified into three degrees. First-degree uterine prolapse does not affect pregnancy since it allows for normal sexual activity. However, in the case of third-degree uterine prolapse, the uterus has prolapsed out of the vagina and sometimes cannot be repositioned, thus interfering with sexual activity and affecting the ability to conceive. Therefore, whether uterine prolapse impacts pregnancy depends on the patient's condition, as well as whether they have normal menstruation or normal endocrine function.