Diagnosing Vaginal Vault Prolapse

During a pelvic exam, the patient is asked to bear down. With prolapse, the tissues bulge downward. The physician measures the amount of descent to determine the amount of prolapse and the best treatment. The patient may also be asked to stand and to push down to determine the amount of prolapse. This provides the doctor with information on the amount of prolapse when the patient is in a more normal position, rather than lying on her back as during a pelvic exam.