The uterus cannot prolapse without carrying the upper vagina with it.

Three degrees of uterine prolapse are described:

• first degree - cervix remains within the vagina
• second degree - cervix protrudes through the introitus
• third degree or procidentia - uterus lies entirely outside the introitus

Procidentia denotes complete failure of all the genital supports. It must be distinguished from hypertrophy, elongation, congestation and oedema of the cervix all of which may cause a large protrusion of tissue beyond the introitus.