Mild cases of bladder or uterine prolapse usually don't cause any symptoms. A prolapse that is more advanced can cause any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort in the vagina, pelvis, lower abdomen, groin or lower back — The discomfort associated with prolapse often is described as a pulling or aching sensation. It can be worse during sexual intercourse or menstruation.
- Heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area — Some women feel like something is about to fall out of the vagina.
- Leakage of urine, which can be worse with heavy lifting, coughing, laughing or sneezing
- Frequent urination or a frequent urge to urinate
- Frequent urinary tract infections, because the bladder can't empty completely when you urinate
- A need to push your fingers into your vagina, into your rectum, or against the skin near your vagina to empty your bladder or have a bowel movement
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- Pain with sexual intercourse, urine leakage during sex, or an inability to have an orgasm
- A bulge of moist pink tissue from the vagina — This exposed tissue may be irritated and cause itching or small sores that can bleed.
- Moist discharge that soils your undergarments
Diagnosis
An experienced physician usually can diagnose uterine or bladder prolapse with a pelvic examination. Occasionally, an X-ray video (called fluoroscopy) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This test is done after a dye that is visible on X-rays is placed in your rectum, your vagina and your bladder so that the outline and position of the uterus can be seen clearly.
In some cases, especially if you are having frequent urinary infections or if you are having difficulty holding your urine, your doctor may order one or more tests to evaluate your bladder function. An X-ray video taken after dye is inserted through your urethra to fill your bladder can show whether your bladder empties completely and whether its shape is distorted. This test is known as a voiding cystourethrogram. Other tests may be done to view the bladder or to test the pressure inside the bladder during urination, depending on the symptoms you are having.