What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

Uterine prolapse, or a prolapsed uteus, is a specific type of pelvic organ prolapse that occurs when the uterus drops from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and descends into and sometimes outside the vagina in the most serious cases. To better understand uterine prolapse, it may be helpful to think of it as a type of hernia. For example, weakness in the abdominal wall can lead to intestines bulging through the muscular support causing an abdominal hernia. Similarly, weakness in the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor can cause loss of uterine support and lead to uterine prolapse. Pregnancy, childbirth, obesity and chronic coughing and lifting are some of the factors that predispose a woman to developing uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse is a progressive condition that gets worse over time, if not treated.

Hysterectomy has been considered the treatment of choice for women experiencing significant symptoms as a result of uterine prolapse. In fact, the significance of uterine prolapse as a woman's health care issue can be gauged by the fact that it was the third most frequently reported cause for hysterectomy in the U.S. from 1993-1998, accounting for 548,657 procedures during the time frame.¹ It was the most common reason for hysterectomy in women older than 55 years in a second large-scale survery.²

Although uterine prolapse typically occurs in post-menopausal women it also occurs in younger women. Definitive treatment has been difficult in women who have not completed childbearing. It has also been an issue in women who wish to preserve their uterus for other reasons.