Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Birmingham & Midlands
Specialist Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse at Midlands Women’s Health
Are you experiencing a feeling of heaviness or pressure in your pelvis, a bulge in your vagina, or discomfort when standing, exercising or carrying out everyday activities?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common women’s health condition that occurs when the muscles and supporting tissues of the pelvic floor weaken, allowing one or more pelvic organs to descend into or towards the vagina.
For some women, symptoms are mild, while others experience significant discomfort, urinary problems, bowel difficulties or changes in sexual wellbeing.
At Midlands Women’s Health, we provide specialist private urogynaecology consultations in Birmingham, offering comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment options for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse.
Our experienced Consultant Gynaecologists take a compassionate and individualised approach, helping women understand their symptoms, explore suitable treatments and regain confidence in their pelvic health.
Pelvic organ prolapse is common, particularly following childbirth and menopause, but you do not have to live with uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms.
Book a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Consultation
If you are experiencing bladder control issues, pelvic pressure, or urinary symptoms, our uro‑gynaecology specialists can help.
Our Uro-Gynaecology Specialist
Dr Pallavi Latthe
Consultant Gynaecologist & Subspecialist in Urogynaecology
GMC: 4753247
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weakened or stretched.
This can allow organs such as the bladder, uterus or rectum to move downwards, creating pressure against the vaginal walls or a noticeable bulge.
Pelvic organ prolapse can affect women of all ages but becomes more common following pregnancy, vaginal childbirth and menopause.
The severity of prolapse can vary, and some women may have a prolapse without experiencing noticeable symptoms.
There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, depending on which organs are affected.
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women
Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)
A cystocele occurs when the bladder descends and pushes against the front wall of the vagina.
Common symptoms include:
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the vagina
- A bulge in the front vaginal wall
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Frequent urination or urinary urgency
- Urinary leakage in some women
- Recurrent urinary tract infections associated with incomplete bladder emptying
Bladder prolapse is one of the most common forms of pelvic organ prolapse.se.
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends from its normal position towards or into the vaginal canal.
Symptoms may include:
- A dragging or heavy sensation in the pelvis
- Feeling or seeing a bulge at the vaginal opening
- Lower back discomfort
- Difficulty with prolonged standing or physical activity
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Associated bladder or bowel symptoms
The degree of uterine prolapse can range from mild descent to the uterus protruding beyond the vaginal opening.
Rectocele (Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse)
A rectocele occurs when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina due to weakened supporting tissues.
Symptoms may include:
- Pelvic discomfort or heaviness
- A bulge or pressure in the back vaginal wall
- Difficulty opening the bowels
- A sensation of incomplete bowel emptying
- Constipation
- Needing to support the vaginal wall with a finger to help pass stool
Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse can occur following a hysterectomy when the upper part of the vagina loses support and descends.
Symptoms may include vaginal pressure, a noticeable bulge, pelvic discomfort and bladder or bowel difficulties.
Enterocele
An enterocele occurs when part of the small bowel descends into the space between the vagina and rectum, creating a bulge in the upper vaginal wall.
This may cause pelvic pressure, a dragging sensation or discomfort.
Some women experience more than one type of pelvic organ prolapse at the same time.
What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of prolapse.
Common signs include:
- A feeling of heaviness, dragging or pressure in the pelvis
- A lump or bulge inside or outside the vagina
- Feeling as though something is coming down
- Discomfort when standing or walking for long periods
- Symptoms that worsen towards the end of the day
- Lower back or pelvic discomfort
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Urinary incontinence or bladder urgency
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty using tampons
Symptoms may become more noticeable following physical activity, prolonged standing or heavy lifting.
If you are experiencing a vaginal bulge, pelvic pressure or changes in bladder and bowel function, a specialist assessment can help identify whether pelvic organ prolapse is the underlying cause.
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Several factors can contribute to weakening of the pelvic floor and supporting tissues.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and connective tissues.
Women who have experienced multiple vaginal deliveries, prolonged labour, instrumental deliveries or larger babies may have an increased risk of developing prolapse.
However, pelvic organ prolapse can also occur in women who have never given birth.
Menopause and Hormonal Changes
During menopause, declining oestrogen levels contribute to changes in vaginal and pelvic tissues.
Age-related changes in connective tissue and muscle support may increase the likelihood of pelvic organ prolapse.
Ageing and Pelvic Floor Weakness
As women age, the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs may gradually weaken.
This can reduce pelvic support and increase the risk of prolapse.
Chronic Constipation and Straining
Repeated straining when opening the bowels increases pressure on the pelvic floor.
Over time, this may contribute to weakening of pelvic support structures.
Persistent Coughing
Conditions causing chronic coughing can repeatedly increase abdominal pressure and place additional strain on the pelvic floor.
Being Overweight
Excess body weight can increase pressure on pelvic floor structures, potentially contributing to prolapse symptoms.
Previous Pelvic Surgery
Previous pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy, may affect pelvic support and increase the risk of certain types of prolapse.
Family History and Connective Tissue Conditions
Some women may have an inherited tendency towards weaker connective tissues, increasing their susceptibility to pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse After Childbirth
Pelvic organ prolapse can develop following pregnancy and childbirth due to stretching or injury to the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues.
Women may notice symptoms shortly after delivery or several years later.
Common symptoms include vaginal heaviness, a dragging sensation, urinary leakage or feeling a bulge within the vagina.
Not all postpartum pelvic floor symptoms indicate a significant prolapse, and some improve naturally during recovery.
At Midlands Women’s Health, our specialists can assess your pelvic floor health and discuss appropriate management options, including pelvic floor physiotherapy and other conservative treatments.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Menopause
Pelvic organ prolapse becomes more common during and after menopause.
Hormonal changes, ageing and previous childbirth can all contribute to reduced pelvic support.
Women may notice new or worsening symptoms, including vaginal pressure, a bulge, urinary difficulties or discomfort during intercourse.
Menopause can also cause vaginal dryness and irritation, which may make prolapse symptoms or the use of vaginal pessaries more uncomfortable.
Where clinically appropriate, local vaginal oestrogen may be recommended to improve vaginal tissue health, although it does not reverse the prolapse itself.
At Midlands Women’s Health, we consider both pelvic floor health and menopausal symptoms when developing personalised treatment recommendations.
Private Urinary Incontinence Assessment at Midlands Women’s Health
At Midlands Women’s Health in Birmingham, we offer a comprehensive and confidential approach to diagnosing and managing pelvic organ prolapse.
Specialist Urogynaecology Consultation
Your Consultant will undertake a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history and the impact of prolapse on your daily life.
This may include discussing:
- Vaginal heaviness, pressure or bulging
- Urinary leakage or bladder emptying difficulties
- Bowel symptoms and constipation
- Pregnancy and childbirth history
- Menopausal symptoms
- Previous gynaecological surgery
- Sexual discomfort
- Current pelvic floor exercises or treatments
- Your personal treatment preferences
Pelvic and Vaginal Examination
A pelvic examination is usually the main method of diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse.
With your consent, your Consultant will assess the vaginal walls, pelvic organ support and the degree of prolapse.
You may be asked to bear down or cough during the examination to help identify the extent of prolapse.
Where appropriate, the findings may be recorded using a recognised classification system such as the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system.
Pelvic Floor Assessment
Your Consultant may assess the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
This can help determine whether pelvic floor muscle training or specialist physiotherapy may be beneficial.
Ultrasound Investigations
Ultrasound is not routinely required to diagnose uncomplicated pelvic organ prolapse.
However, pelvic or bladder ultrasound may be recommended where additional concerns are identified, such as difficulty emptying the bladder or suspected associated pelvic conditions.
Further Specialist Investigations
Some women may require additional investigations if they experience significant urinary incontinence, bladder emptying difficulties or complex pelvic floor symptoms.
Your Consultant will explain whether further testing or referral is appropriate.
What Are the Different Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is commonly described according to its severity.
| Stage | Description |
| Stage 1 – Mild | The pelvic organ has descended slightly but remains well above the vaginal opening. |
| Stage 2 – Moderate | The prolapse reaches close to the vaginal opening. |
| Stage 3 – Advanced | The prolapse extends beyond the vaginal opening. |
| Stage 4 – Severe | There is near-complete or complete protrusion of the affected vaginal compartment. |
These descriptions are simplified. Formal staging is based on measurements taken during examination.
The severity of prolapse does not always correspond to the severity of symptoms. Some women with mild prolapse experience discomfort, while others with more advanced prolapse have relatively few symptoms.
Treatment decisions are based on your symptoms, examination findings and personal preferences.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of prolapse, your symptoms, general health, future pregnancy plans and treatment preferences.
Not every woman with pelvic organ prolapse requires surgery.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment for women with symptomatic mild to moderate prolapse.
A supervised programme, typically lasting at least 16 weeks, can help improve pelvic floor strength and reduce symptoms.
Specialist pelvic health physiotherapy may also provide advice on exercise, lifting techniques, bladder habits and bowel management.
Vaginal Pessary Treatment
A vaginal pessary is a removable medical device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
Pessaries can help relieve symptoms such as vaginal bulging, heaviness and discomfort.
They may be particularly suitable for women who:
- Prefer non-surgical treatment
- Wish to avoid or delay surgery
- Are not suitable candidates for surgery
- Require symptom relief while considering other options
Different types and sizes of pessaries are available.
Your Consultant can discuss whether pessary treatment is suitable and explain the need for fitting, ongoing care and regular reviews.
Lifestyle and Pelvic Floor Health Advice
Lifestyle changes may help reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and improve symptoms.
Recommendations may include:
- Managing constipation and avoiding straining
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Addressing persistent coughing
- Adapting heavy lifting where it worsens symptoms
- Undertaking appropriate pelvic floor exercises
- Modifying activities that aggravate pelvic pressure
Vaginal Oestrogen Treatment
For women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation or discomfort associated with menopause, local vaginal oestrogen may be considered.
This can improve vaginal tissue health and may help women tolerate pessary treatment more comfortably.
Vaginal oestrogen does not directly correct pelvic organ prolapse.
Surgical Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Surgery may be considered for women with bothersome prolapse symptoms who have not improved sufficiently with conservative treatments or who prefer a surgical approach after discussing the available options.
The type of surgery depends on which pelvic organs are affected and whether you wish to preserve your uterus.
Possible procedures include:
- Anterior vaginal wall repair for bladder prolapse
- Posterior vaginal wall repair for rectocele
- Uterine-preserving prolapse surgery in selected cases
- Vaginal hysterectomy with appropriate pelvic support procedures
- Vaginal vault suspension procedures
Some procedures involve surgical mesh, which carries specific risks and is subject to restrictions and specialist governance in the UK.
Your Consultant will discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives and potential for recurrence before recommending surgical management or arranging an appropriate specialist referral.
Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. Many women with pelvic organ prolapse can manage their symptoms successfully without surgery.
Non-surgical treatments include pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal pessaries and lifestyle modifications.
Women with mild prolapse and minimal symptoms may not require active treatment, although monitoring and pelvic floor advice can be beneficial.
The most appropriate approach depends on the degree of prolapse and how significantly it affects your quality of life, before recommending surgical management or arranging an appropriate specialist referral.
Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse Get Worse Over Time?
Pelvic organ prolapse may remain stable, improve or progress over time.
Factors such as ageing, menopause, repeated straining and changes in pelvic floor support may influence symptoms.
Not every prolapse becomes more severe, and mild prolapse does not automatically require surgery.
A specialist assessment can help establish the degree of prolapse and identify suitable treatment or monitoring options.
When Should You See a Specialist for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
You may benefit from a private urogynaecology consultation if you experience:
- A vaginal lump or bulge
- Persistent pelvic heaviness or pressure
- A sensation that something is falling down
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Recurrent urinary tract infections associated with bladder emptying problems
- Urinary leakage or urgency
- Difficulty opening your bowels
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Symptoms that interfere with exercise, work or everyday activities
- Concerns about pelvic floor weakness following childbirth
- Worsening symptoms during or after menopause
If you are suddenly unable to pass urine, seek urgent medical assessment.
New or unexplained vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause, should also be assessed promptly.
Why Choose Midlands Women’s Health for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment?
At Midlands Women’s Health, we provide:
- Consultant‑led uro‑gynaecology care
- Private, confidential appointments
- Evidence‑based diagnosis and treatment pathways
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools and therapies
- Personalised, compassionate support throughout your care journey
- Services accessible for women in the Midlands and wider UK
Our specialists are experienced in supporting women with pelvic floor and bladder concerns — prioritising improved quality of life and functional outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic organ prolapse often causes a feeling of heaviness, dragging or pressure in the vagina or pelvis.
Some women describe feeling as though something is falling down or notice a lump or bulge at the vaginal opening.
Symptoms may become more noticeable after prolonged standing, exercise or towards the end of the day.
Mild prolapse may improve, particularly following childbirth, as pelvic tissues recover.
However, established prolapse does not always resolve completely without treatment.
Pelvic floor exercises and other conservative treatments can help improve symptoms.
Pelvic organ prolapse is usually not life-threatening.
However, more advanced prolapse can cause significant discomfort, difficulties emptying the bladder or bowel and, occasionally, urinary retention or other complications.
A specialist assessment can help determine whether treatment is needed.
Yes. Many women benefit from non-surgical treatments, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal pessaries and lifestyle modifications.
Surgery is generally considered when symptoms remain troublesome or conservative treatments are unsuitable.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of prolapse, your symptoms and personal preferences.
Pelvic floor muscle training may be recommended for mild to moderate prolapse, while vaginal pessaries can provide support for a range of prolapse types.
Surgical treatment may be appropriate for selected women.
Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the supporting muscles and improve symptoms, particularly in women with mild to moderate prolapse.
However, they do not reliably reverse all anatomical changes associated with prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse becomes more common with age, and changes in pelvic tissues following menopause may contribute to symptoms.
Local vaginal oestrogen can improve menopausal vaginal symptoms but does not reverse prolapse.
Yes. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can stretch or damage pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues.
This can increase the likelihood of prolapse developing immediately after childbirth or later in life.
Yes. Although childbirth is a significant risk factor, prolapse can also develop due to ageing, connective tissue weakness, chronic straining, obesity or previous pelvic surgery.
Yes. Pelvic organ prolapse may be associated with urinary leakage, urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Some women experience both prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
A specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause of urinary symptoms.
In some women, prolapse can interfere with complete bladder emptying.
Residual urine may increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.
However, recurrent UTIs can have several causes, so appropriate investigation is important.
Many women can continue exercising with pelvic organ prolapse.
However, activities that significantly increase abdominal pressure may worsen symptoms in some individuals.
A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide advice on suitable exercises and modifications.
Yes. Many women with pelvic organ prolapse can continue having sexual intercourse.
However, some experience discomfort, vaginal pressure or reduced confidence.
Treatment can help improve symptoms and sexual wellbeing.
A vaginal pessary is a medical device inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed pelvic organs.
It is a non-surgical treatment option that may help relieve vaginal bulging, heaviness and discomfort.
Pessaries require appropriate fitting and ongoing review.
Not necessarily. Uterine prolapse can sometimes be managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal pessaries or uterus-preserving surgical procedures.
A hysterectomy may be considered in selected cases but is not the only treatment option.
Yes. Although surgery can significantly improve symptoms, prolapse can recur over time.
Your Consultant will explain the potential benefits, risks and likelihood of recurrence when discussing surgical treatment.
Yes. A Consultant Gynaecologist with expertise in urogynaecology can assess pelvic organ prolapse, identify the affected pelvic organs and discuss suitable treatment options..
YYes. At Midlands Women’s Health, you can arrange a private consultation for pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal heaviness or associated bladder and pelvic floor symptoms without requiring a GP referral.
Useful Links
The following trusted organisations that provide reliable information.
| Organisational Name | Link | Description |
| British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) | https://bsug.org.uk/ | A UK specialist organisation dedicated to improving care for women with pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. BSUG supports healthcare professionals through education, clinical resources and patient information. |
| Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists | Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist’s Website | Provides evidence-based information about gynaecological procedures, investigations, and treatments. |
| NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse | The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system providing evidence-based patient information on conditions, investigations and treatments.. |
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