What causes uterine prolapse?

Jul 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, uterine prolapse may be caused by factors such as muscle relaxation due to aging, pelvic floor tissue damage during childbirth, prolonged increased abdominal pressure, underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles, postoperative complications following pelvic surgery, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. In daily life, prolonged standing or sitting, as well as heavy physical labor, should be avoided.

Generally, uterine prolapse may be caused by aging-related muscle laxity, childbirth injuries to the pelvic floor tissues, prolonged increased abdominal pressure, underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles, post-pelvic surgery complications, and other similar reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Muscle laxity due to aging: With increasing age, women experience declining ovarian function and reduced estrogen levels, which weaken the elasticity of pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, resulting in insufficient support for the uterus and causing uterine prolapse. Appropriate pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can help strengthen muscle strength. Additionally, topical estrogen cream may be used under a physician's guidance to improve the condition of pelvic floor tissues.

2. Childbirth injury to pelvic floor tissues: During delivery, excessive stretching or tearing of pelvic floor muscles and ligaments may occur. If not repaired promptly, this can lead to decreased uterine support and subsequent prolapse, which may be accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or dragging. Pelvic floor rehabilitation therapies, such as electrical stimulation and biofeedback training, should begin early in the postpartum period. If necessary, a pessary may be used to provide additional uterine support.

3. Prolonged increased abdominal pressure: Chronic cough, constipation, obesity, and other factors can cause sustained elevation of abdominal pressure, continuously compressing the pelvic floor tissues and causing the uterus to gradually descend and prolapse, often accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty in defecation. Active treatment of the underlying condition is necessary—for example, patients with chronic cough may take dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup, pentoxifylline tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or other medications as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

4. Underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles: Congenital weakness of the pelvic floor muscles results in insufficient support to maintain the normal position of the uterus, making uterine prolapse more likely. Long-term pelvic floor muscle contraction exercises combined with professional rehabilitation training are recommended. In severe cases, pelvic floor muscle repair surgery may be required to reinforce the pelvic floor tissues and enhance support through suturing and strengthening procedures.

5. Post-pelvic surgery complications: Pelvic surgeries such as myomectomy may damage pelvic floor tissues or ligaments, compromising the uterine support structure and causing uterine prolapse, which may be accompanied by low back pain. In severe cases, uterine suspension surgery may be necessary to reposition and fix the uterus in its normal anatomical location, restoring normal function.

In daily life, prolonged standing or sitting and heavy physical labor should be avoided to reduce situations involving increased abdominal pressure. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle, eating a balanced diet, and preventing constipation and obesity are important. Practicing good personal hygiene and avoiding pelvic infections help maintain the health of pelvic floor tissues.

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What are the ways to restore normal function in cases of uterine prolapse?

Uterine prolapse, also known as uterine descent, requires treatment methods selected according to the severity of the condition. Generally, recovery can be achieved through consistent pelvic floor muscle exercises, adjustment of daily posture, use of uterine pessaries, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. The recovery plan should be developed based on the degree of prolapse; mild cases are primarily managed with conservative treatments, while severe cases require timely evaluation for the necessity of surgery.

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How can uterine prolapse be pushed back in?

In general, uterine prolapse can be managed through pelvic floor muscle exercises, pessary use, medication, surgical treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine, which may help in recovery. Additionally, patients should avoid heavy physical labor, chronic coughing, and other activities that increase abdominal pressure in daily life. Weight management is also important to reduce the risk of worsening prolapse. Regular follow-up examinations are necessary during treatment.

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How can uterine laxity be improved to become tighter?

In general, uterine laxity may be caused by factors such as tissue stretching after pregnancy and childbirth, declining estrogen levels associated with aging, damage to the muscular layer due to repeated intrauterine procedures, mild uterine prolapse, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, surgical interventions, or other appropriate methods.

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How much does uterine prolapse surgery cost?

In general, the reference price for uterine prolapse surgery ranges from 8,000 to 30,000 yuan per procedure. Noticeable recovery effects can typically be observed 1 to 3 months after surgery. However, the exact cost may vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, surgical materials, preoperative examinations, postoperative care plans, and the urgency of the procedure. This surgery should be performed at a qualified and正规 hospital. A detailed explanation is as follows: