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Uterine prolapse - Symptom

Alternative Names

Pelvic relaxation; Pelvic floor hernia

Symptoms:

A feeling as if "sitting on a small ball"
Difficult or painful sexual intercourse
Low backache
Protrusion from the vaginal opening
Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
Vaginal bleeding

Signs and tests:

A pelvic examination with the woman bearing down will show how far the uterus comes down. Uterine prolapse is mild when the cervix drops into the lower part of the vagina . Uterine prolapse is moderate when the cervix drops out of the vaginal opening.

The pelvic exam may show 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 causing the prolapse (this is rare).

Female reproductive anatomy

Uterus

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lentz, GM. Anatomic Defects of the Abdominal Wall and Pelvic Floor: Abdominal and Inguinal Hernias, Cystocele, Urethrocele, Enterocele, Rectocele, Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse, and Rectal Incontinence: Diagnosis and Management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds. Katz: Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.

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