Exams and Tests

A prolapse of a pelvic organ is sometimes difficult to diagnose. Pelvic organ prolapse that does not cause symptoms is often discovered during a routine exam. You may be aware that there is a problem but be unsure of the exact location or cause. If prolapse is suspected, your doctor will take your medical history, including your symptoms and your history of pregnancies and other health problems, and perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.

Tests that may be done to determine the nature of a prolapse include:

• Cystoscopy, a test that allows your doctor to look at the interior lining of the bladder and the urethra.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), an X-ray test that can show the size, shape, and position of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan), which uses X-rays to produce detailed pictures of structures inside the pelvic area.
• Urodynamic tests, to see how your body stores and releases urine.

Doctors use a classification system to determine the level of an organ's prolapse. Identifying the exact level of prolapse helps guide decisions about which treatments are most likely to offer long-term success. One standard classification uses "stages" of prolapse and is based on how close the lowest part of the organ is to the opening of your vagina (the hymen).⁴