Symptoms and causes of prolapse

Bladder prolapse is a fairly common condition, with an estimated 30 per cent of women developing some degree of prolapsed.

Normally, the uterus, or womb is held in place by the muscles, tissues and ligaments in the pelvis. Prolapse takes place when these supporting muscles, tissues and ligaments become weaker and are unable to hold the uterus in place.

Gravity pulls the uterus down into the vagina. There are different degrees of prolapse:

• First degree prolapse occurs when the uterus slips down into the vagina
• Second degree prolapse involves part of the uterus sticking out of the opening of the vagina
• Third degree prolapsed, called procidentia, involves the whole of the uterus slipping outside the vagina

How common is prolapse?

Up to 30 per cent of women who have had children are understood to be affected by a degree of prolapsed. The condition becomes more common with age, especially after the menopause, but is rare in women who have not had children.

Symptoms of prolapse

Some women with prolapse do not experience any symptoms and the condition is only discovered when they are examined internally for another reason. However, the majority of women with prolapsed do experience symptoms. The most common is the sensation of ‘something dropping down below’. There may be difficulties with sexual intercourse and opening bowels.

Causes of prolapse

Giving birth is the main factor in weakening or damaging the muscles and ligaments which support the uterus. However, the normal ageing process can further weaken this area. Being overweight and having a persistent cough can also add to risk of prolapse.

Treatment for prolapse

Mild cases of prolapse may not require surgery and respond well to lifestyle changes such as pelvic floor exercises and in some cases, weight loss. Surgery is an effective option for more severe problems. The type of repair depends upon the type of prolapse, but it based in using stitches to pull together the weakened muscles of the pelvic floor. The patient normally stays in hospital for three to five days after surgery, then recovery is fairly straightforward.

Harley Street Urology offers a wide range of bladder treatments including a speciality treatment - overactive bladder acupuncture.

Preventing prolapse

The key steps women can take to avoid bladder prolapse include eating plenty of fruit and vegetables to avoid constipation, being a healthy weight and not smoking.