Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus (womb) slips out of place and into the vaginal canal due to weakening of the muscles and ligaments of the lower abdomen (called the "pelvic floor"), which normally support the uterus and other organs in the pelvis. The severity of uterine prolapse is defined as:
* First degree (mild)—the cervix (the lower opening of the uterus into the vagina) protrudes into the lower third of the vagina
* Second degree (moderate)—the cervix protrudes past the vaginal opening
* Third degree (severe)—the entire uterus protrudes past the vaginal opening
Recently, more sophisticated methods of measuring and describing the degree of prolapse have been developed. These resemble three-dimensional engineering diagrams.
Other organs, such as the ovaries or bladder, may also be out of place due to the weakening of the pelvic floor tissues.
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