Causes of a Prolapsed Uterus
Uterine prolapse may occur for several reasons including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth - The weight of the pregnant uterus
on the pelvic floor and abdominal straining during vaginal delivery can
cause muscle, connective tissue and nerve damage. The risk increases with
multiple pregnancies and/or high birth weight babies.
- Raised intra-abdominal pressure - Chronic coughing, straining caused by
constipation, heavy lifting, and obesity can place pressure on the internal
organs and cause uterine prolapse.
- Fibroid tumors - Can be a contributing factor.
- Menopause - Reduced estrogen levels can cause the ligaments holding
the uterus in place to lose some of their elasticity and strength.
- Congenital factors – Women born with collagen defects (for example, Marfan syndrome)
are at higher risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse including uterine prolapse.
Race plays a factor in risk for uterine prolapse, though the reasons for it are unknown.
For example, Hispanic women have a higher risk of developing uterine prolapse than white women,
while Afro-American women have a lower risk.1
- Hendrix SL, et al. Pelvic organ prolapse in the Women's Health Initiative: Gravity and gravidity. American Journal of Obstetrical Gynecology 2002;186:1160-1166.
