Can postpartum constipation cause uterine prolapse?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on January 29, 2025
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If there is severe constipation after childbirth, and it is not corrected in time, long-term constipation can lead to uterine prolapse in women.

Postpartum constipation increases abdominal pressure, which affects the recovery of pelvic floor muscles, causing the loss of support in the pelvic floor muscles and thus leading to uterine prolapse. However, the main factor contributing to uterine prolapse is not constipation but the damage caused by childbirth, which is the primary cause.

After childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles are weakened. Whether standing, bearing weight, or holding breath for a long period, thereby increasing abdominal pressure, can lead to the inability of the pelvic floor tissues to support and stabilize the internal organs of the pelvis, resulting in a prolapse.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will sexual intercourse cause bleeding in cases of uterine prolapse?

When women suffer from uterine prolapse, bleeding usually does not occur during intercourse. Bleeding only occurs in certain special circumstances, such as when a woman suffers from severe cervical erosion or acute cervical inflammation, where the cervical surface exhibits congestion and edema. Furthermore, some women with severe symptoms of uterine prolapse might have the cervix protruding outside the vaginal opening; the friction between the cervix and undergarments can lead to local ulcers, and even infections. In such cases, intercourse might cause bleeding from cervical trauma. Generally, the amount of bleeding is relatively small, which may manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long after natural childbirth is it easy for uterine prolapse to occur?

In clinical practice, it is common to see cases of uterine prolapse after natural childbirth. This is mainly because during pregnancy, the uterus is prone to various downward pressures. If the body has some imperfections in function, this can lead to uterine prolapse. After childbirth, some women may experience uterine prolapse as soon as one month, or even ten days or eight days postpartum. However, due to the increasing awareness and importance placed on postnatal confinement after natural childbirth, the incidence of uterine prolapse is decreasing. It is advised that women should rest during confinement and avoid heavy physical labor.

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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 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 Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes uterine prolapse?

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.