Common Misdiagnoses of Prolapsed Uterus

A prolapsed uterus describes a uterus that has fallen from the pelvic area into the vaginal canal, usually due to weakened muscles and ligaments. Some of the most common symptoms of a prolapsed uterus include an increase in both the urgency and frequency of urination, lower back pain and a heavy feeling in the pelvic cavity. Many women also experience recurrent bladder infections, vaginal bleeding and painful sexual intercourse. If this condition is not treated, patients may get many serious urinary tract infections, and may also suffer from hemorrhoids and complete loss of the uterus.

Proper Diagnosis Procedure

A physical examination is usually necessary to diagnose a prolapsed uterus. The doctor may ask you to stand up, lie down or strain at different points in the examination. If the condition is not obvious from a physical exam, an ultrasound may be given to make sure the symptoms are not caused by other conditions.

Misread Diagnosis

Though a prolapsed uterus can usually be diagnosed using a physical exam, the doctor may miss the issue in some cases. This is because the condition ranges from minor to severe. In serious cases, the uterus can entirely come out of the vagina, while a minor prolapsed uterus may just create pressure in the vaginal canal without actually coming out at all. For this reason, an ultrasound is often advised since some symptoms are common in other conditions.

An overactive bladder describes a sudden need to urinate at random times. Patients usually cannot fight the urge to urinate since it is caused by bladder spasms. The result is frequent urination, whether the patient is awake or asleep. This, combined with the urgency of urination, is also a symptom of a prolapsed uterus. Minor cases of a prolapsed uterus may be misdiagnosed as an overactive bladder, but an ultrasound or more thorough physical exam should clear up the confusion.

An overactive bladder is actually a type of urinary incontinence. However, not everyone with urinary incontinence has a sudden urge to urinate like those with an overactive bladder do. Some patients suffering from urinary continence urinate a little when they cough or sneeze, while others constantly leak urine throughout the day. Women with a prolapsed uterus do not necessarily have these symptoms, but even in those who do, misdiagnosis can be avoided by using an ultrasound to get a better look at the issue.

Talk to an Attorney

A prolapsed uterus can result in constant urinary tract infections, as well as complete loss of the uterus through the vagina. If your complications of a prolapsed uterus are serious or long-term, and they are due to delayed diagnosis, contact a lawyer to find out your options.