How to treat uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 31, 2025
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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 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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a belly band be used for uterine prolapse?

For patients with uterine prolapse, the initial treatment adopted is pelvic floor exercises. The use of abdominal binders is less common clinically, as abdominal binders can only tighten the lower abdomen and have no significant effect on uterine prolapse. If the patient's symptoms of uterine prolapse are severe, it is recommended that the patient seeks medical evaluation at a local hospital. If necessary, surgical repair treatment may be required.

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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 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.