Uterine prolapse

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Female reproductive anatomy

Uterus

Pelvic relaxation; Pelvic floor hernia

• Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
• A feeling as if "sitting on a small ball"
• Low backache
• Protrusion from the vaginal opening (in moderate to severe cases)
• Difficult or painful sexual intercourse

A pelvic examination (with the woman bearing down) reveals protrusion of the cervix into the lower part of the vagina (mild prolapse), past the vaginal introitus/opening (moderate prolapse), or protrusion of the entire uterus past the vaginal introitus/opening (severe prolapse).

These signs are often accompanied by protrusion of the bladder and front wall of the vagina (cystocele) or rectum and back wall of the vagina (rectocele) into the vaginal space. The ovaries and bladder may also be positioned lower in the pelvis than usual.

A mass may be noted on pelvic exam if a tumor is the cause of the prolapse (rare).

Review Date: 06/06/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.