ABSTRACT
Prior to examining and describing pelvic organ support defects in the female, all clinicians should
have several tools in mind that will aid in providing a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. These
tools should include an understanding of what represents normal pelvic organ support versus
pathologic prolapse, an inventory of symptoms that can be attributed to pelvic organ prolapse, and a
reliable method of describing the physical findings during the exam. While the first two tools may
seem unnecessary in the subject who has an obvious vaginal bulge that protrudes 4-5 cm beyond
the vaginal opening and complaints of inability to completely empty her bowels or bladder, they are
crucial in evaluating the subject who has a cystocele and no or minimal symptoms.
