Symptoms of postpartum uterine prolapse

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on March 23, 2025
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When postpartum women experience uterine prolapse, they often feel a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, noticing a swollen mass protruding from the vulva. Postpartum uterine prolapse can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe prolapse. In mild cases, there is generally just a sensation of heaviness, while moderate to severe prolapse can cause difficulties in urinating and urinary incontinence. Additionally, during a gynecological examination, a protruding cervix can be detected near the entrance of the vagina, and when this condition occurs, timely rehabilitative treatment is necessary.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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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 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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Natural childbirth uterine prolapse manifestations

After vaginal childbirth, women may experience uterine prolapse due to being over-fatigued or engaging in physical labor too soon. Most women with mild symptoms show no clinical signs. As the symptoms worsen, some women may feel a sense of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and this sensation intensifies when squatting or using the restroom, with a feeling of heaviness in the vulva. Some women may feel something protruding from the vagina, which can be retracted back into the vagina when lying flat; this is uterine prolapse after childbirth. Typically, this condition can be improved by performing anal contraction exercises.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.