Uterine prolapse refers to the descent of the uterus from its normal position along the vagina, with the external cervical opening reaching below the level of the sciatic spine, or even the total prolapse of the uterus beyond the vaginal opening. This phenomenon is associated with a number of factors, mainly including:
Pregnancy and childbirth: this is the main cause of uterine prolapse. During pregnancy, the volume of the uterus changes, which may lead to uterine prolapse. During labor and delivery, especially in cases of obstructed and prolonged labor, the muscles and fascia of the uterus and vagina may be damaged, causing them to lose their ability to support the uterus, which can lead to uterine prolapse.
Injury to the pelvic floor muscles and fascia: These structures may be damaged during labor and delivery or due to other reasons, such as chronic coughing or prolonged constipation, resulting in a weakening of their support, thus causing uterine prolapse.
Decrease in estrogen level: After menopause, a woman's estrogen level decreases, which can lead to atrophy and degeneration of the pelvic floor muscles and fascia, leaving the uterus unsupported, thus causing uterine prolapse.
Increased abdominal pressure: chronic coughing, long-term constipation, obesity and other factors may increase the pressure in the abdominal cavity, which puts extra burden on the pelvic floor muscles and fascia, thus leading to uterine prolapse.
Congenital developmental anomalies: Uterine prolapse in an unwed mother may occur as a result of underdevelopment of the supporting tissues of the reproductive organs.
Malnutrition: Severe nutritional deficiencies can lead to muscle atrophy, laxity of the fascia in the pelvis, and loss of support for the uterus.
Medically induced injury: when performing surgery on the pelvic area, damage may be caused to the pelvic support structures, affecting the position of the uterus.
Please note that these are just some of the factors that may lead to uterine prolapse, and the specifics may vary from one individual to another. If you have any related symptoms or concerns, please seek medical attention and receive diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional.