How to Pronounce Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Say it like this: VAJ-ih-nal (rhymes with 'badge' + 'final') vawlt (sounds like 'vault,' the word for a safe or underground room) PROH-laps (sounds like 'pro' + 'lapse'). The strongest stress falls on VAJ at the beginning and PROH in the last part.

'Vault' is another word for an arched roof or safe enclosed space. In this medical term, the vaginal vault refers to the upper rounded area at the top of the vagina. It's called a 'vault' because of its dome-like shape.

'Prolapse' means to slip or fall down out of its normal position. The word comes from Latin and describes something that has dropped lower than where it should be. Think of it like a window shade that's fallen out of its frame.

Break it into these chunks: VAJ-ih-nal (3 syllables) vawlt (1 syllable) PROH-laps (2 syllables). The whole phrase has 6 syllables total, and it helps to pause slightly between 'vault' and 'prolapse' when you say it.

Many people stress the wrong syllable and say vaj-AH-nal instead of VAJ-ih-nal, or they try to pronounce 'prolapse' as pro-LAPS instead of PROH-laps. Remember: the stress hits VAJ at the start and PROH in the second word.

'Vaginal' is the adjective form of vagina and describes anything related to the vagina. 'Vault' refers to an arched or domed space—like a bank vault or a stone arch. Together, 'vaginal vault' names the specific dome-shaped area at the top of the vaginal canal.

Here's an example: 'The doctor explained that vaginal vault prolapse is a condition where the top part of the vagina has shifted from its normal position.' This sentence uses the term correctly to describe what the condition is.

Medical professionals sometimes call it 'vault prolapse' for short. You might also hear 'apical prolapse' (apical refers to the apex or top), but 'vaginal vault prolapse' is the most complete and commonly used name.