The Four Degrees of Uterine Prolapse

Giving birth and aging can weaken the pelvic floor. This causes uterine prolapse to occur. Uterine prolapse is the falling or sliding of the uterus from the normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. Other names for uterine prolapse are pelvic relaxation and pelvic floor hernia. If the uterus slips or drops into the vagina, creating a lump or bulge, it is referred to as an incomplete prolapse. A complete prolapse occurs in more severe cases when the uterus slips so far that the tissue drops outside of the vagina.

A mild case of uterine prolapse may not produce any symptoms. More severe cases can produce symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis, pain during intercourse, something protruding from the vagina, lower back pain, heavy periods, milk-like vaginal discharge, difficulty passing stools and an increase in the frequency of urination. There may also be a burning sensation during urination if there is an infection present. The symptoms may not be as bad in the morning, but they tend to get worse throughout the day.

Uterine prolapse typically occurs in post-menopausal women, but it can occur in younger women. A hysterectomy is considered to be the best treatment for women who are experiencing a great deal of symptoms. This may be why it is harder to treat women who are still having children.

There are four stages or degrees of uterine prolapse.

First Degree: The cervix drops into the vagina.
Second Degree: The cervix sticks to the opening of the vagina.
Third Degree: The cervix is outside of the vagina.
Fourth Degree: The entire uterus is outside of the vagina. This is also called procidentia and is caused by weakness in all of the supporting muscles.