Uterine prolapse

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of uterine prolapse 
Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse varies in severity. You may have mild uterine prolapse and experience no signs or symptoms. Or you could have moderate to severe uterine prolapse. If that's the case, you may experience the following:

  • Sensation of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
  • Tissue protruding from your vagina
  • Urinary difficulties, such as urine leakage or urine retention
  • Trouble having a bowel movement
  • Low back pain
  • Feeling as if you're sitting on a small ball or as if something is falling out of your vagina
  • Sexual concerns, such as sensing looseness in the tone of your vaginal tissue
  • Symptoms that are less bothersome in the morning and worsen as the day goes on

When to see a doctor
Uterine prolapse doesn't require treatment unless it's severe. If your signs and symptoms become bothersome and disrupt your normal activities, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options.

References
  1. Kohli N, et al. An overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and classification of pelvic organ prolapse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
  2. Tarnay CM. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2390520. Accessed March 3, 2010.
  3. 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, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/186922005-2/0/1524/131.html?tocnode=53759383&fromURL=131.html. Accessed March 3, 2010.
  4. Hughes D, et al. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3159899. Accessed March 3, 2010.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin: Pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:717.
  6. Doshani A, et al. Uterine prolapse. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:819.
  7. Rosenblatt PL. Laparoscopic surgery for repair of pelvic floor defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
DS00700 April 9, 2010

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