How Do I Know If I Have Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on March 19, 2023
2 min read

If you think you may have pelvic organ prolapse, talk to your doctor. There are a number of tests they may use to diagnose the condition.

First, they’ll ask you about your medical history and examine your pelvic organs. This will give them an idea of how strong your pelvic floor muscles are. (These are the muscles that hold your pelvic organs in place). It may be all they need to do to make a diagnosis.

But other tests may be needed. Your doctor may want to find out if more than one organ has moved out of place, how severe the prolapse is, and whether you have other conditions related to it. The tests you get might include:

  • Bladder function tests. Pelvic organ prolapse can cause you to leak urine. Doctors call this “incontinence.” If you have it, your doctor may want you to get certain tests that measure how well your bladder and the structures around it work.
  • Voiding cystourethrogram. A lab tech will take X-rays of your bladder before and after you pee. The results can show your doctor if there’s something wrong with your bladder or urethra (the tube through which pee leaves your body).
  • Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create an image of your pelvic organs on a screen. It can help your doctor see if more than one organ has slipped out of place.
  • MRI. This scan uses magnetic waves to create a 3-D image of the organs and muscles in your pelvis. It can help your doctor confirm that you have pelvic organ prolapse.