What is urethral prolapse?

The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral prolapse occurs when the inner lining of the urethra sticks out. When this happens, the opening of the urethra looks like a small pink donut and seems larger than normal.

Signs and symptoms

Children with urethral prolapse may not have any symptoms at all. Urethral prolapse occurs most commonly in young girls before puberty. Children may have blood spots on their underwear or diapers. Some children may complain of tenderness when wiping themselves after going to the bathroom.

Causes

The exact cause of urethral prolapse is not known. It may happen if the tissues around the urethra are weak. It often happens before puberty starts, when girls have low levels of the estrogen hormone. African American and Hispanic girls are more at risk for getting urethral prolapse. It is also more likely to happen to girls who have a history of heavy coughing, constipation, urinary tract infections, trauma or who are obese. All of these conditions can increase pressure inside the belly, which may lead to urethral prolapse.

Testing and diagnosis

Often, urethral prolapse is an incidental finding during routine examination. Upon examination, round doughnut-shaped tissue is observed protruding from the urethral opening.