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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTests or exams to diagnose uterine prolapse include:
- Pelvic exam. Your doctor will perform a complete pelvic exam to check for signs of uterine prolapse. You may be examined while lying down and while standing up. Your doctor may ask you to bear down as if having a bowel movement to see how much that affects the degree of prolapse. To check the strength of your pelvic muscles, you may also be instructed to contract them, as if you are stopping the stream of urine.
- Questionnaire. You may fill out a form that helps your doctor assess your degree of prolapse and how much it affects your quality of life. Information gathered also helps guide treatment decisions.
- Imaging tests. Imaging tests aren't generally needed for uterine prolapse, but they're sometimes helpful in assessing the degree of prolapse. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to further evaluate your condition.
References
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin: Pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:717.
- Doshani A, et al. Uterine prolapse. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:819.
- Rosenblatt PL. Laparoscopic surgery for repair of pelvic floor defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
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