Prolapsed Uterus
Information, Resources & Education

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A "prolapsed uterus," also referred to as a "uterine prolapse," and a "dropped womb," refers to a woman's uterus that has fallen below its normal position in her pelvis. A prolapsed uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. The pelvic floor has a number of supporting muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that attach the pelvic floor to the pelvic bones in a manner that support a woman's uterus and other pelvic organs.  These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

In the most serious cases when these ligaments and muscles weaken, the uterus drops from its normal position and sometimes falls out of the vagina. 

Causes of a prolapsed uterus may occur when the pelvic floor is damaged during a vaginal delivery, particularly when a prolonged labor has occurred or the doctor used forceps or a vacuum extraction. 

A prolapsed uterus may also be the result of an inherited weakness of the pelvic floor as well as from aging and menopause. 

Among various races, Hispanic women have the highest risk for prolapsed uterus.

Symptoms of a prolapsed uterus vary with the severity of the prolapse. This may also include no symptoms at all.  Other symptoms include pelvic pain, pressure, and a sensation of something "falling" in your vagina, or low back pain. Other symptoms might include urinary incontinence, painful bowel movements and pain during intercourse.

A prolapsed uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper
vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the
vagina.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic prolapse is another term used for "pelvic organ prolapse."  Pelvic prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by pelvic organ prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, prolapsed uterus, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, or vaginal vault prolapse.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by pelvic organ prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor disorder, urogenital prolapse or vaginal wall prolapse.

What is a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?

The vaginal vault is the area at the top of the vagina, next to and adjacent to the cervix. It can only “fall” or descend downwards toward the introitus, or the entrance of the vagina, after a woman's womb has been removed (hysterectomy). Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for prolapsed uterus, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons.