What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse generally refers to the descent of the uterus. As a pelvic floor dysfunction disorder, uterine prolapse typically presents symptoms including a sensation of pressure or heaviness, protrusion of tissue from the vagina, urinary abnormalities, bowel dysfunction, and lower back pain. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Feeling of pressure/heaviness: Patients often experience a sensation of downward pressure in the lower abdomen, as if something is falling out of the vagina. This sensation usually worsens after prolonged standing, walking, physical exertion, or squatting and may ease with rest. In severe cases, the feeling of pressure persists and affects daily activities.
2. Protrusion of tissue: In mild cases, tissue protrudes from the vagina only when abdominal pressure increases (e.g., coughing, lifting heavy objects) and may retract on its own upon resting. In more severe cases, the protruding tissue cannot retract spontaneously and must be manually pushed back into the vagina. In extreme cases, the tissue remains outside the vaginal opening for prolonged periods, potentially causing sores, ulcers, or infections due to friction.
3. Urinary abnormalities: Uterine prolapse may compress the bladder or urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or urinary incontinence. In particular, urine may leak involuntarily when abdominal pressure increases, such as during coughing, laughing, or running. Some patients may also experience difficulty in urination, poor urine flow, or may need to apply pressure on the lower abdomen to void.
4. Bowel dysfunction: If the rectum is compressed due to uterine prolapse, bowel function may be affected, leading to difficulty in defecation and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Patients may need to strain during bowel movements. In severe cases, constipation may occur, with stool remaining in the intestines for prolonged periods, causing abdominal bloating and discomfort.
5. Lower back pain: Uterine prolapse may stretch pelvic floor tissues and ligaments, causing lower back pain. The pain is typically a dull ache or a feeling of soreness and worsens after physical exertion or prolonged standing. It usually improves with rest. The pain is often localized in the lumbosacral region and may radiate to the perineal area.
If the above symptoms appear in daily life, patients may alleviate discomfort and improve their condition through pelvic floor muscle exercises, avoiding heavy physical labor, weight control, and other measures.