Ryan Stewart, DO
Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed May 15, 2026

Can You Feel Prolapse with Your Finger?

Yes. Many women first discover prolapse by feeling a bulge at or near the vaginal opening. It’s completely fine to do a gentle self-exam if you think something has changed. In my practice, this is one of the most common ways patients find out they have prolapse.

What you might feel

A soft, smooth bulge at or just inside the vaginal opening
Tissue that seems to protrude more when you stand, strain, or bear down
A bulge that may reduce or disappear when you lie down
Something that feels different from what you’re used to

Many of my patients tell me they first noticed something in the shower or while inserting a tampon. Feeling a bulge doesn’t mean it’s severe or that you need surgery. Most women start to notice prolapse when tissue reaches the vaginal opening. It does mean it’s worth getting checked so we can figure out the type and degree.

When to see a doctor

If you feel a bulge that’s new, growing, or causing symptoms like pressure, trouble emptying your bladder or bowels, or discomfort, schedule an evaluation. Prolapse is not an emergency. But getting a baseline exam helps us know where things stand so we can track any changes.

I understand this can feel awkward or worrying. I never want a patient to feel embarrassed about noticing changes in her body. Knowing your own anatomy helps you get care early, when we have the most options.

There are many ways to manage prolapse, from pelvic floor physical therapy to a pessary (a small device worn in the vagina for support) to surgery. We have in-office pelvic floor PTs, so if that’s something that could help, we can get you started right away. What matters most is what’s bothering you and what your goals are.

References

ACOG and AUGS. Pelvic organ prolapse. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019.
Barber MD. Pelvic organ prolapse. BMJ. 2016. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3853
Carberry CL, Tulikangas PK, Ridgeway BM, et al. AUGS best practice statement: evaluation and counseling of patients with pelvic organ prolapse. Urogynecology. 2025. doi:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001641
Hagen S, Stark D, Glazener C, et al. Individualised pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POPPY): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2014. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61977-7

← Learn more about Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel something at the vaginal opening?

Some vaginal wall laxity is very common and may not mean you have prolapse that needs treatment. If what you're feeling is new, getting worse, or bothering you, an evaluation can help sort things out.

Should I push the prolapse back in?

Gently pushing prolapse back in is safe and can give you some relief. It will usually come back down with activity. If you find yourself doing this often, it's a good reason to get an evaluation.

Can prolapse come and go?

Prolapse often seems to come and go because gravity and straining affect it. You'll usually notice it more when standing, walking, or pushing, and less when lying down.