Under normal circumstances, the uterus of a woman is located deep in the pelvic cavity and is usually not palpable through the abdomen. When a woman has a mild uterine prolapse, the body of the uterus cannot be felt at the vulva either. It is only when a woman experiences moderate to severe uterine prolapse, with part or the entire body of the uterus protruding outside the vagina, that it becomes palpable to the touch.

The exposed part can cause local hyperplasia, ulceration and other phenomena due to friction with undergarments, giving a feeling of enlargement upon touch. During gynecological examinations, it can be observed that most women with uterine prolapse have relatively lax vaginal walls. When these women cough, there is a noticeable downward movement of the cervix, which impacts the finger, and the entire cervix may appear enlarged and thickened.