Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a form of pelvic organ prolapse that occurs when a woman's pelvic muscles and ligaments become weak, causing the uterus to drop from its usual position. This allows the neck of the uterus (cervix) to bulge down into the vagina.
Uterine prolapse causes a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen, vagina, or lower back. Leakage of urine, problems passing urine or stool, frequent urinary tract infections, or pain during intercourse may also be present.
Uterine prolapse may be treated with Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, or with a device placed in the vagina (vaginal pessary). Some women who have uterine prolapse choose to have the uterus surgically removed (hysterectomy).
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise