Prolapse is more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies and especially in those who have delivered their babies vaginally. Previous pelvic surgeries such as Hysterectomy may also contribute to weakness of the pelvic floor.

Urologists often see women with pelvic organ prolapse due the difficulty it may cause with passing or holding their urine. Pelvic organ prolapse may also be associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and pelvic pain.

Patients may have symptoms related to prolapsed bowel such as constipation and difficulty with defecation due to obstruction. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may also experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Pelvic organ prolapse can be severely distressing and embarrassing to the women afflicted by it. Women should be encouraged to seek treatment. Pelvic floor physiotherapy and medical treatments such as vaginal oestrogen are important adjuncts to treatment but do not significantly improve the degree of pelvic floor prolapse.

The treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is individualized with several factors considered. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment with the aim to restore the structure and function of the pelvic floor. If surgery cannot be performed a carefully selected vaginal pessary may be considered as an alternative.

Surgery is performed via a vaginal or abdominal approach. The decision on which surgical option is most suitable will follow an initial assessment and in some cases an examination under anaesthesia combined with a cystoscopy.