Prolapse is common in women – it has been reported that 40% of women older than 50 years have some degree of prolapse on examination. A prolapse can sometimes affect your bladder or bowel function or your comfort having sex. Having symptoms of prolapse can be worrying but in itself isn’t dangerous. However, it can be extremely bothersome and can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Prolapse symptoms are strongly associated with having children and with increasing age but there are also links with chronic chest conditions, constipation, menopause and weight gain.
Many women with a prolapse can manage their symptoms independently especially if the prolapse is intermittent and contained within the vagina. Most cases will respond well to conservative management that you can do at home. Conservative management includes pelvic floor exercises, avoiding things that may make the prolapse worse (like heavy lifting or constipation) and weight loss if required.
So common symptoms of prolapse can include:
• A feeling of “something coming down” – a bit like a tampon slipping
• Heaviness or discomfort felt vaginally, lower tummy or even lower back ache
• Vaginal dryness and/ or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Changes to your bladder which may be an increased feeling of urgency, going to the toilet more often or perhaps having difficulty with emptying your bladder
• It may be more difficult to empty your bowel
NHS Inform have an information section on Pelvic Organ Prolapse that you might find helpful
Prolapse
Do you feel something coming down? Is there a heavy dragging sensation? Do you feel a bulge when washing or wiping? A prolapse refers to a weakness in the vaginal supports that cause a bulge in the vaginal wall, the womb (uterus) or top of the vagina (if you have had a hysterectomy) may sit lower than normal. It is not a life threatening condition but may cause some discomfort. It can sometimes affect the function of your bladder and/or bowel.
If the prolapse is coming outside of the vagina, is painful or you feel that it makes it more difficult to empty your bladder or bowel, please get in touch with your GP.
If you are have symptoms of any of the following please contact your GP as you may need further tests:
• abdominal distension or persistent bloating
• feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• loss of appetite
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• increased urinary urgency and/or frequency
• change in bowel habit
If the prolapse is coming outside of the vagina, is painful or you feel that it makes it more difficult to empty your bladder or bowel, please get in touch with your GP.
If you are have symptoms of any of the following please contact your GP as you may need further tests:
• abdominal distension or persistent bloating
• feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• loss of appetite
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• increased urinary urgency and/or frequency
• change in bowel habit
Introductory Video
What next?
Please see our section below on How to Improve your Symptoms but also visit our Lifestyle & Physical Activity Section
