- Inspection of the external genitalia: Descent, fistulas, malformations, tumors
- Speculum examination: Assessment of vaginal skin, degree of estrogenization, descent diagnostics
- Palpation: Pelvic floor tone, levator avulsion, sphincter tone
- Cough stress test: Detection of stress incontinence with and without repositioning of the prolapse
- Urinalysis: Dipstick test, urine culture if infection is suspected
- Residual urine determination: Sonographically or with a single-use catheter to assess bladder emptying
Genital prolapse is classified into different grades that describe the extent of the prolapse. The common classifications are:
ICS/IUGA Standardization (International Continence Society/International Urogynecological Association):
- Stage 0: No descent visible or palpable.
- Stage 1: The lowest point of the descent is more than 1 cm proximal (inside) to the hymenal ring.
- Stage 2: The lowest point of the descent is between 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal (outside) to the hymenal ring.
- Stage 3: The lowest point of the descent is more than 1 cm distal to the hymenal ring, but not a complete prolapse.
- Stage 4: Total prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina.
Commonly used clinical grading:
- Grade I: Descent within the vagina.
- Grade II: Descent reaches the introitus vaginae (vaginal opening).
- Grade III: Descent extends beyond the introitus vaginae.
- Grade IV: Total prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina.