Which characteristic defines stage II prolapse?

Stage II prolapse is characterized by the most prolapsed point of the vaginal wall being within 1 cm of the hymen. This classification is part of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, which provides a standardized method for describing the extent of pelvic organ prolapse.

In stage II, the prolapse is significant enough to be noticeable and may cause symptoms, but it has not progressed to the more advanced stages where the prolapse exceeds the hymen by a greater distance. The specific measurement of 1 cm is important in defining the severity of the prolapse and helps guide treatment options.

Understanding this definition helps clinicians categorize the severity of prolapse and tailor interventions appropriately based on the extent of the anatomical displacement. For patients, recognizing these distinctions can assist in understanding their condition and expected outcomes related to treatment options.