What are the symptoms of uterine prolapse?

Generally, the symptoms of uterine prolapse mainly manifest as a sensation of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen, pain in the lumbar and sacral regions, protrusion of a mass from the vagina, abnormal urination and defecation, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely consultation and treatment at a regular hospital. Specific manifestations are as follows:

1. Sensation of pressure/heaviness and lumbar or sacral pain

When uterine prolapse occurs, the descent of the uterus pulls on surrounding tissues, causing patients to experience a significant feeling of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen. This symptom worsens particularly after prolonged standing, walking, physical exertion, or squatting, and improves with bed rest. At the same time, pain in the lumbar and sacral regions often occurs concurrently. This is caused by relaxation and stretching of the pelvic floor tissues due to uterine prolapse, which stimulates surrounding nerves. The severity of pain correlates with the degree of prolapse—the more severe the prolapse, the more pronounced the pain may be.

2. Protrusion of a mass from the vagina

Patients often feel a mass protruding from the vagina when abdominal pressure increases, such as during walking, squatting, or defecation. In mild cases, the mass may spontaneously retract when lying down. In more severe cases, the protruding mass cannot be retracted spontaneously and must be manually pushed back into the vagina. As the condition progresses, the protruding mass gradually enlarges and may prolapse even during daily activities, affecting the patient's normal life.

3. Abnormal urination and defecation

Uterine prolapse is often accompanied by relaxation of the pelvic floor tissues, which may compress the bladder and urethra, causing symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, and urinary incontinence. Urine may involuntarily leak during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, laughing, or straining—this is known as stress urinary incontinence. If the prolapsed uterus compresses the rectum, it can also cause difficulty defecating and constipation. Some patients may need to manually press the posterior vaginal wall to evacuate stool.

4. Abnormal vaginal discharge

Following uterine prolapse, the cervix and vaginal walls remain exposed to the external environment for prolonged periods, making them prone to friction and irritation, which can lead to mucosal congestion, edema, ulcers, and consequently increased vaginal discharge. The discharge may appear purulent or blood-tinged, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. If infection occurs, these abnormal discharge symptoms become more pronounced, and patients may also experience itching or pain in the vulva.

5. Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

The prolapsed uterus alters the vaginal anatomical structure, causing pain, discomfort, or bleeding during sexual intercourse. This is primarily due to downward displacement of the uterus, which shortens or distorts the vaginal walls, increasing friction. Additionally, inflammation or injury of the pelvic floor tissues may cause local sensitivity, reducing sexual comfort.

In daily life, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue, reduce situations that increase abdominal pressure, and appropriately perform pelvic floor muscle exercises, which can help prevent and alleviate uterine prolapse.