Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse begins with your medical history and a physical exam of your pelvic organs. This can help your health care provider determine the type of prolapse, such as bladder, rectum or uterine. Some tests might also be needed. Ask your health care provider to explain why each test is being done. 

Tests for pelvic organ prolapse might include:

• Bladder function tests. Some tests are as simple as finding out whether your bladder leaks when it's put back into place at the time of your physical exam. Other tests might measure how well your bladder empties. Seeing these results can help you and your doctor determine the most appropriate type of management for prolapse.

• Pelvic floor strength tests. Your doctor will test the strength of your pelvic floor and sphincter muscles at the time of your physical examination. This tests the strength of muscles and ligaments that support the vaginal walls, uterus, rectum, urethra and bladder.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI will use a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your pelvis. This is useful only in complex cases.

• Ultrasound. This imaging method will use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your kidneys, bladder and the muscles around your anus. An ultrasound is useful only in complex cases.