What causes uterine prolapse?

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

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if I have uterine prolapse?

The treatment of uterine prolapse needs to be determined based on the degree of prolapse and whether the patient has any clinical symptoms. If the prolapse is mild and the patient does not display obvious clinical symptoms, conservative treatment is recommended. Conservative treatment mainly involves pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen the pelvic floor support and facilitate the repair of the prolapsed uterus. If the prolapse is severe and is accompanied by serious clinical manifestations, surgical treatment may be considered.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does uterine prolapse affect menstruation?

In most cases, uterine prolapse does not affect the normal menstrual cycle in women. However, in very rare instances where the symptoms of uterine prolapse are severe, part of the uterus may prolapse outside the vagina, such as external cervical protrusion. This can cause the cervical tissue to rub against the underwear, leading to local ulcers and even infections. At this point, this can result in the presence of purulent vaginal discharge or bleeding in women. If a woman's immune resistance decreases, the infection can ascend, causing inflammation of the uterine lining. This condition can affect the menstrual cycle, with some women experiencing increased menstrual flow. Additionally, some women may exhibit irregular cycles, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can an ultrasound detect uterine prolapse?

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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does cesarean delivery easily cause uterine prolapse?

After a cesarean section, there is also a certain chance of uterine prolapse occurring. The occurrence of uterine prolapse is mainly related to the number of childbirths, the size of the fetus during childbirth, and factors such as whether there were difficulties during delivery or the use of vaginal delivery assistance. Cesarean section can to some extent reduce the incidence of uterine prolapse. Cesarean delivery can improve or avoid conditions such as uterine prolapse and bladder protrusion, and other pelvic organ prolapse diseases. However, this practice is not advocated and should only be performed in necessary cases. Natural childbirth is still recommended as the best method. If pelvic floor dysfunction occurs, repair can be conducted after childbirth.

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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.