[Functional forms of prolapse]

234 women were examined via microtransducers both with 100 ml bladder contents in recumbent position and with 300 ml bladder contents in seated position. The types of prolapse or descensus were categorised after modification according to Green. The quotient from the maximal urethral occlusion pressure at rest recorded with 300 ml bladder filling in seated position and 100 ml bladder filling in recumbent position (known as pressure quotient at rest) showed changes dependent on the type of prolapse (Type I: less than or equal to 1, Type II: less than 1, Type III: greater than 1 (n.s.), Type IV: greater than 1). These functional changes can be explained by the stress-dependent dynamics of each individual form of prolapse. An additional combined form was described (Type III) which was found to be a special form both anatomically and functionally.