-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
prolapse
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
A condition wherein the uterus is positioned lower in the pelvis from loss of tone or integrity of the suspensory structures.
• primary prolapse: the cervix is lower in the vaginal barrel.
• secondary prolapse: the cervix is at the introitus (vaginal opening).
• tertiary prolapse: "procidentia": the uterus prolapses out of the vagina.

etiology:
May be from pregnancy, low grade trauma to the pelvic organs, loss of tone with aging, obesity without appropriate exercises to help keep the pelvic floor and ligaments as intact as possible. Traditional Chinese medicine ascribes prolapse of any type to weakness of the Pi (roughly equivalent to the spleen and pancreas) which has the function of holding organs in place.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
Associated with physical changes in the position of the affected structures.

lab findings:
• (+) ultrasound

course and prognosis

This is not a disease entity but a physical condition. However there may be metabolic or nutritional factors which play into its onset. The diminished integrity of the suspensory system for the uterus will often continue to fail if not treated in some manner.

differential diagnosis

• other abdominal and pelvic conditions


footnotes