Patient's question:
I just gave birth about thirty days ago and had a natural delivery. While washing my lower body, I felt something circular inside my vaginal opening with my hand—it wasn’t very hard. Sometimes standing for a long time or squatting for a bit gives me a sensation of heaviness or dropping in that area. Could you please answer the following questions?1. Is this uterine prolapse? Does it need treatment, or will it recover on its own? How long does it usually take to return to normal?
2. Some people say wearing a belly band can prevent internal organ prolapse. Is it suitable for my condition?
3. Can I currently engage in activities like running, aerobics, or other exercises? If not, when would it be safe to start?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your condition, it is possible that you may have uterine prolapse. You should pay attention to rest and avoid standing for long periods. At the same time, it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination. After a definitive diagnosis, symptomatic treatment should be administered.Uterine prolapse refers to the downward displacement of the uterus along the vagina and is a common gynecological disease.
The main causes of this condition include damage to the cervix, main ligaments of the cervix, and uterosacral ligaments due to childbirth, or engaging in heavy labor too soon after delivery. Uterine prolapse can also occur in nulliparous women due to poor development of supporting tissues of the reproductive organs. Heavy lifting, coughing, and other factors that increase abdominal pressure can also trigger the condition.
Main Symptoms
A sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen, vagina, and perineum, accompanied by lower back and sacral pain. Symptoms worsen after exertion and improve with rest.
- Grade I prolapse: The cervix descends to within 4 cm of the vaginal opening.
- Grade II prolapse: The cervix protrudes outside the vaginal opening, but the uterus remains inside the vagina or only partially protrudes.
- Grade III prolapse: The entire uterus, cervix, anterior vaginal wall, and part of the posterior vaginal wall all prolapse outside the vaginal opening.
Associated Symptoms
Due to the significant descent of the uterus, which pulls on the peritoneum, symptoms such as nausea and upper abdominal discomfort may occur. If bladder prolapse is present, symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, urinary tract infections, and incontinence may also arise.
① Medical Therapy
a. Hormone replacement therapy: For postmenopausal women. As female hormones gradually decrease, the tension of pelvic muscles and tendons weakens, leading to uterine, bladder, or rectal prolapse. Hormone replacement can restore the elasticity of pelvic muscles and the perineum, strengthen muscle tone, and correct partial pelvic relaxation and uterine prolapse.