Pelvic Organ Prolapse
A feeling of a bulge or "something coming down" in the vagina — what pelvic organ prolapse is, why it happens, and how it can be assessed and managed.
Pelvic organ prolapse is when the bladder, womb or bowel slips down from its normal position and bulges into the vagina, because the pelvic-floor support around them has weakened.
It's very common, especially after childbirth and around the menopause, and it is rarely dangerous. Many women manage their symptoms well with pelvic-floor exercises or a support pessary, and where a surgical repair is needed your care can be arranged onwards — so there's usually a lot that can be done to help you feel more comfortable.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Symptoms often build gradually, and many women notice them more by the end of the day, on standing, or after being on their feet.
Why it happens.
Prolapse develops when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs are weakened or stretched. Often several things add up over time rather than a single cause.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Assessed by an examination and your symptoms.
Pelvic organ prolapse is usually assessed in clinic from your symptoms and a gentle internal examination. Dr Hina Parvez, Private GP with a special interest in women's health, takes a full history, listens to what's troubling you most, examines you to see which organ is involved and how far it has come down, and explains what she finds — so you leave with a clear picture and a plan that suits you.
How pelvic organ prolapse is treated.
We start with the least invasive option that's likely to help you, and review how you're getting on.
The usual first step — strengthening the pelvic-floor muscles, alongside measures such as managing constipation, weight and heavy lifting, which can ease milder prolapse.
A small device fitted into the vagina to hold the prolapse up and relieve symptoms. It supports the prolapse rather than curing it, and needs periodic review and replacement.
Where a surgical repair is needed, the clinic does not perform prolapse surgery but can arrange onward referral to the appropriate specialist.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Is pelvic organ prolapse dangerous? +
Prolapse is very common and rarely dangerous. It can be uncomfortable and affect daily life, but it isn't usually a sign of anything serious. The value of an assessment is getting a clear picture of which organ is involved and what can help.
Does a pessary cure prolapse? +
A pessary relieves symptoms by supporting the prolapse and holding it up, rather than curing it. It's a well-established, non-surgical option for many women. It needs periodic review and replacement, and Dr Hina Parvez will explain how it's fitted and looked after.
Will I need surgery? +
Not usually. Many women manage well with pelvic-floor exercises or a support pessary. Surgery is only considered where a repair is genuinely needed — and as the clinic does not perform prolapse surgery, your care would be arranged through an onward referral.
How much does a pessary fitting cost? +
The fee for a pessary fitting is confirmed with you at your consultation. The cost of the initial women's-health assessment is confirmed with you when you book, and any follow-up or review is explained clearly beforehand.
Do I need a referral to be seen? +
No — Bridge House Clinic welcomes self-referral, so you can book a women's-health assessment with Dr Hina Parvez directly without a GP letter and without an NHS waiting list.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.