Prolapsed Uterus

If you have a mild prolapsed uterus you may not have any symptoms.

You may have symptoms if you have moderate to severe uterine prolapse including:

• a sensation of heaviness and pressure in your the vagina
• a lump or bulge within or protruding from your vagina
• pain or numbness during sex
• urinary problems such as incontinence or the need to urinate frequently or urgently
• constipation

Symptoms may worsen during the day if you stand or walk for long periods of time as gravity places extra pressure on your pelvic muscles.

Prolapsed uterus treatment options will be discussed after a pelvic examination and a diagnosis is made.

Recommended uterine prolapse treatment is based on the severity of your uterine prolapse and symptoms, your health and age, and if you are planning to have children in the future.

Treatment for uterine prolapse includes:

• Non-surgical prolapsed uterus treatment
• Lifestyle changes – such as losing weight if you're overweight, high-fibre diet to prevent constipation, no heavy lifting, avoiding high-impact exercise, and stopping smoking.
• Pelvic floor strengthening exercises – often the first line of treatment. A physiotherapist-guided program will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
• Oestrogen cream, tablet or vagina ring – if you have a mild prolapse and have been through the menopause, oestrogen may be recommended to ease some of your symptoms.
• Vaginal pessary - a rubber or plastic device which can be fitted into the vagina to support your uterus and relieve symptoms.
• Surgical prolapsed uterus treatment

Surgery may be needed in some cases. There are several types of prolapse surgery that include:

• Surgical repair with stitches or vaginal mesh – to restore your pelvic organs to their original position. It can be performed through the vagina or abdomen, or laparoscopically. Your pelvic organs are lifted, repaired and supported using stitches, or a piece of synthetic mesh is inserted to hold your pelvic organs in place. Vaginal mesh surgery may be offered at the same time or after a hysterectomy for additional vaginal wall support or to younger women who do not want to have a hysterectomy.
• Hysterectomy – for some women, the most effective treatment for a prolapsed uterus is to have it removed. This is only suited to women who have been through the menopause or do not wish to have any more children.
• Closing part or all of the vagina - to prevent organs from moving into your vagina. This is only offered to women with an advanced prolapse, when other treatments have not worked, and they do not plan to have sexual intercourse again in the future.

The cost of a prolapsed uterus procedure will depend on your recommended treatment and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

Our guide package price for surgical repair with stitches (colporrhaphy) is £xx.

Our guide package price for hysterectomy surgery is £xx.

These are guide package prices that estimate the costs of your surgery. You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your prolapsed uterus treatment will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your prolapsed uterus treatment yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance - requires no deposit, offers the ability to pay in monthly instalments, and benefits from 0% interest
• Al-inclusive Total Care - a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price that delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance
• Pay as you go – a flexible funding option if your treatment costs are difficult to assess, that allows you to meet your treatment costs as and when they arise.

Prolapsed uterus treatment surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. A physiotherapist-guided pelvic floor strengthening program may be covered by your medical insurance. We advise you to check with your insurance provider and obtain their written authorisation before starting your treatment.