The position of the uterus is lowered for the most part as a result, of the loosening of the attachments of the organ, combined frequently with increased weight from chronic inflammation. The term Descent is applied to a mere lowering of the position of the uterus, while prolapse implies a protrusion into the vagina, it may be as far as the vulva. When the organ presents outside the vulva the name Procidentia is applied. Besides increased weight of the organ itself, a tumour by its weight may assist in dragging it downwards. As pregnancy, with its various circumstances, often tends to loosen the attachments of the uterus, prolapse is chiefly met with in women who have borne children. The alteration in position may be produced suddenly by increased intra-abdominal pressure, as in raising a heavy weight.

The vagina must be inverted in proportion to the falling-down of the uterus, and in cases where it is completely procident the vagina will form an external covering continuous with the skin around. As the uterus descends it is held more by its posterior than by its anterior attachments, and there is accordingly a certain amount of retroversion along with the prolapse.

The mucous membrane of the uterus is mostly in a state of catarrh in prolapse, with a profuse mucous discharge, and the organ itself is enlarged (see further on). The mucous membrane of the inverted vagina is thickened, and its epithelium, where exposed, acquires characters like those of the epidermis.