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Uterine prolapse

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Pelvic relaxation; Pelvic floor hernia

Symptoms:

• 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

Signs and tests:

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: 6/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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