Can an ultrasound detect uterine prolapse?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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Uterine prolapse cannot be detected through an ultrasound, because during the ultrasound when it is necessary to hold urine, the uterus is lifted, so the degree and severity of uterine prolapse cannot be determined by this method. Uterine prolapse can be diagnosed by a gynecologist's examination, which can also determine the severity of the prolapse. Treatment methods should be determined based on the severity of the prolapse and the symptoms of the patient. Mild uterine prolapse might recover through treating the underlying disease and exercising. However, uterine prolapse of second degree or higher must be treated surgically to be restored to the normal position.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?

Mild uterine prolapse may have no clinical symptoms, while severe cases can feel a sense of falling and lower back pain, along with a mass protruding from the vagina. This mass may increase and the sensation of falling becomes more pronounced with long periods of standing, vigorous activity, or increased abdominal pressure. If there is a bulge in the anterior vaginal wall or the bladder, with the urethra and the posterior angle of the bladder becoming sharp, it can lead to difficulty urinating or urinary retention. If a urinary tract infection occurs subsequently, symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination may arise. If the bulge in the bladder coincides with a urethral bulge and a complete protrusion of the anterior vaginal wall, where the posterior angle of the urethra and bladder disappears, urinary leakage can occur during coughing, straining, or other activities that increase abdominal pressure, leading to what is called stress urinary incontinence.

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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Uterine prolapse is treated in the Department of Gynecology.

Uterine prolapse requires registration with the gynecology department as it is a type of gynecological disease. There are many causes of uterine prolapse, including pregnancy and childbirth. Particularly, vaginal delivery before childbirth or difficult deliveries involving suction can weaken the supporting strength of the pelvic fascia, ligaments, and muscles due to excessive stretching, leading to uterine prolapse. Additionally, aging, especially post-menopause, can cause an atrophy of the supporting structures, also leading to uterine prolapse. Other causes include chronic cough, abdominal effusion, and obesity, which can all lead to uterine prolapse. Therefore, once uterine prolapse occurs, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for examination to determine the extent of the prolapse, and treatment should be conducted according to the examination results.

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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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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.