What causes uterine prolapse?

Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

The most common causes of uterine prolapse can be categorized into three types.

The first type is childbirth injury, which is the main cause of uterine prolapse. During childbirth, especially with vaginal surgical assistance or prolonged second stage of labor, uterine prolapse can occur.

The second cause is long-term increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic coughing, habitual constipation, prolonged standing, or weightlifting. These factors can contribute to uterine prolapse.

The third type involves poor development or degenerative changes in the pelvic tissues. This mainly refers to uterine prolapse due to congenital deficiencies in pelvic floor development. Generally, childbirth injuries are the most common cause.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

What to do if there is uterine prolapse during menstruation?

When a woman has uterine prolapse, it does not affect her normal menstrual cycle. During menstruation, women can also experience pelvic congestion, which can exacerbate the feeling of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen. Therefore, it is important to avoid exertion during this time to prevent worsening abdominal symptoms. Furthermore, during menstruation, it is important to maintain perineal cleanliness. Sanitary pads or liners should be changed every 1-2 hours. The external genital area can be cleaned daily with topical cleansers to prevent infections. Additionally, consuming fruits or vegetables that can enhance the immune system, such as oranges, bananas, or fungal foods like king oyster mushrooms, is also advisable.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
51sec home-news-image

How to check for uterine prolapse after childbirth

During routine postnatal checks after natural childbirth, it is important to evaluate the recovery of pelvic floor function, including checking for the presence and severity of uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse can be assessed in the following ways: First, a gynecological examination can be conducted. Through this examination, the condition of the uterine prolapse and the position of the cervix can be clearly identified and staged. Second, performing a perineal ultrasound can generally assess the condition of uterine prolapse and the state of pelvic floor function. Third, in cases of severe uterine prolapse, it is also necessary to perform a urinary system examination, such as urodynamic testing, because uterine prolapse often occurs simultaneously with bladder prolapse.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
56sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have uterine prolapse during menstruation?

The normal position of the uterus is within the female pelvis. When a prolapse occurs, the uterus gradually descends downwards. In cases of mild to moderate uterine prolapse, since the majority of the uterus remains inside the vagina, there is no particular need for special attention during menstruation—regular care will suffice. In severe cases of uterine prolapse, the uterus might completely protrude outside the vaginal opening. In such circumstances, extra care may be needed during menstruation to prevent menstrual blood from staining undergarments. You might need to use larger sanitary pads; other than that, there is nothing particularly different that needs attention. Additionally, remember to change sanitary pads and underwear regularly to avoid potential infections.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
58sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
49sec home-news-image

Can uterine prolapse have a vaginal delivery?

Uterine prolapse does not affect the width of the soft birth canal. It is still possible to have a vaginal delivery with uterine prolapse, as any form of childbirth after a full-term pregnancy can exacerbate uterine prolapse. However, uterine prolapse is not an indication for cesarean delivery; vaginal delivery should still be attempted if possible. Forty-two days after childbirth, a routine pelvic floor examination should be carried out. If there is pelvic floor dysfunction or uterine prolapse, treatment should be administered based on the severity of the condition. Eventually, some individuals may need surgical treatment, not all can be managed conservatively.