Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the bladder, womb or bowel drops from its usual position because the supporting tissues of the pelvic floor have weakened. It is common — especially after childbirth or around the menopause — and there are effective treatments for every degree of prolapse.
What is prolapse?
The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs. When it weakens, an organ can bulge into the vagina, causing a feeling of pressure, a visible or palpable bulge, or discomfort. Our prolapse service assesses and treats this.
Cystocele and rectocele
- Cystocele — the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina, sometimes causing urinary symptoms.
- Rectocele — the bowel bulges into the back wall of the vagina, sometimes affecting bowel emptying.
- Uterine prolapse — the womb itself descends.
More than one type can occur together.
What causes it?
The main factors are childbirth, the natural loss of tissue strength with menopause, chronic straining, and heavy lifting. It is not caused by anything you did wrong.
Treatment options
- Pelvic floor exercises — first-line for mild prolapse (see our pelvic floor guide).
- A pessary — a supportive device placed in the vagina.
- Surgery — pelvic floor repair to restore support, for more significant prolapse or when other measures have not helped.
When to seek help
If you feel a bulge, pressure, or have bladder or bowel symptoms that affect daily life, it is worth an assessment. Treatment is effective and you do not need to simply live with the symptoms.
See the full urogynaecology guide and our price list.
Sources: NICE pelvic floor dysfunction guidance, RCOG, ACOG. This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation. Reviewed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), UCARER Women’s Health, Istanbul.
