Prolapsed Uterus (Uterine Prolapse) at Stourside Hospital in Stourbridge

A prolapsed uterus, also called a uterine prolapse, is a type of pelvic organ prolapse where the uterus descends from its normal position into or through the vagina. This happens when the pelvic floor muscles and supporting ligaments that hold the uterus in place become weakened or stretched.

Uterine prolapse is a common condition, particularly for women over the age of 50, with many women experiencing some degree of pelvic organ prolapse or vaginal prolapse during their lifetime. While it can be distressing, a prolapsed uterus is highly treatable, with good outcomes frequently achieved through both non-surgical and surgical approaches.

Here, we explain the symptoms, causes, stages and treatment options for uterine prolapse, detailing both the non-surgical and surgical approaches available at Ramsay Health Care.

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What is a prolapsed uterus?

Your uterus (also called your womb) sits in your pelvis, positioned above your bladder and in front of your bowel. It’s held in place by a network of muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissue called your pelvic floor.

A prolapsed uterus happens when your pelvic floor is weakened or damaged, causing your uterus to slip downwards into your vaginal canal. In more severe cases, the uterus can protrude outside the vagina. The prolapse can also put pressure on your bladder and bowel, causing additional symptoms.

Not all prolapses are the same, and symptoms and severity can vary significantly from person to person. Some women may not even realise they have a mild prolapse, while others find it significantly impacts their daily life.

A prolapsed uterus is one type of pelvic organ prolapse. A weakened pelvic floor can also lead to other types of prolapse, including cystocele (bladder prolapse), rectocele (bowel or rectal prolapse), and enterocele (small bowel prolapse). It’s possible to have more than one type of prolapse at the same time.

The stages of uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapses are classified into four stages or grades based on how far the uterus has descended: 

• Grade 1 uterine prolapse (mild): The uterus has dropped slightly into the upper vagina

• Grade 2 uterine prolapse (moderate): The uterus has descended to the vaginal opening

• Grade 3 uterine prolapse (severe): The uterus protrudes beyond the vaginal opening

• Grade 4 uterine prolapse (complete prolapse or procidentia): The uterus is entirely outside the vagina

Grading helps your consultant understand the severity of your prolapse and guides treatment decisions. However, treatment is based on your individual symptoms and how much the prolapse affects your quality of life, not just the grade alone.

Symptoms of a prolapsed uterus

The symptoms caused by a prolapsed uterus will partly depend on how far the uterus has descended and whether other pelvic organs are involved. Symptoms also vary from woman to woman. Some women with mild prolapses may not notice any symptoms at all. 

When symptoms do occur, they commonly include:

• A feeling of heaviness, pressure or dragging in the pelvis or vagina

• A visible bulge or lump that you can feel in or outside the vagina

• Pelvic discomfort that worsens after prolonged standing or walking

• Pain, discomfort, or numbness during sex

• Urinary symptoms such as leaking, urgency, or incomplete bladder emptying

• Bowel issues, including constipation or difficulty fully emptying your bowels

• Lower back pain that may worsen throughout the day

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Our gynaecology specialists can assess your condition and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment.

Can a prolapsed uterus be a sign of cancer?

A prolapsed uterus is not cancer and is not caused by cancer. A uterine prolapse is a mechanical condition that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments weaken, allowing the uterus to descend - it has no connection to cancer.

However, some symptoms of a uterine prolapse, such as pelvic discomfort, pressure, or abnormal bleeding, can occasionally overlap with symptoms of other conditions, including more serious ones, such as uterine or cervical cancer. For this reason, it’s important to have a proper medical assessment if you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms.

A pelvic examination by a gynaecologist can usually confirm a prolapse diagnosis quickly and provide reassurance. If your consultant identifies any unusual findings during the examination, they can arrange appropriate further investigations to rule out other causes.

What causes a prolapsed uterus?

In the vast majority of cases, a uterine prolapse is directly caused by weakening or damage to the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus, causing it to drop. Pelvic floor weakening or damage can occur due to:

• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth - particularly multiple deliveries, difficult or prolonged births, or delivering large babies.

• Menopause and declining oestrogen levels – oestrogen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of pelvic tissues.

• Ageing and natural tissue weakening - pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken over time.

• Obesity - excess weight places increased pressure on the pelvic floor.

• Chronic constipation or straining - repeated straining weakens pelvic support structures.

• Persistent coughing - such as from smoking, asthma, or chronic respiratory conditions.

• Heavy lifting over time – either occupational or during regular activities. 

• Previous pelvic surgery – can weaken supporting structures.

Certain connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, may also increase the risk of uterine prolapse and other pelvic organ prolapses, as these conditions affect the strength and elasticity of ligaments and supporting tissues throughout the body. 

How is a prolapsed uterus diagnosed?

Diagnosing a prolapsed uterus usually begins with a consultation with your GP or a gynaecology specialist, where your symptoms are discussed in detail, and your medical history is reviewed.

A pelvic examination will then be performed, which typically involves:

• Undressing from the waist down

• A visual and physical examination of your vaginal area

• Assessment of the pelvic floor and any visible prolapse

• Use of a speculum, if needed, to assess the vaginal walls and cervix

• You may be asked to cough or bear down to assess the extent of the prolapse

A pelvic examination is often all that’s needed to diagnose a uterine prolapse and determine its grade. However, if you haven’t already seen a gynaecologist, you may be referred for specialist evaluation.

In cases where you have notable urinary symptoms, such as leaking or increased urgency, urodynamic testing may be recommended to assess your bladder function and help guide treatment decisions.

At Ramsay Health Care, our experienced gynaecology specialists offer fast access to assessment and diagnosis, helping you avoid long waiting times and move quickly toward appropriate treatment. You can book an appointment with us by calling 0808 223 0500 or contacting us online.

Prolapsed uterus treatment options

Treatment for a prolapsed uterus depends on the severity of your prolapse, your symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preferences. In many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective, while surgery may be recommended for more advanced prolapses or when symptoms significantly affect your quality of life.

Your consultant will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.

Non-surgical treatments for a prolapsed uterus

For mild to moderate uterine prolapses, or where surgery isn’t suitable (for example, if you’re planning to have more children), non-surgical options are often the first approach recommended. These include:

Lifestyle changes

Simple adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce symptoms and prevent your prolapse from worsening:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor

• Eating a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation and straining

• Stopping smoking to reduce chronic coughing

• Avoiding heavy lifting and high-impact exercise that places downward pressure on the pelvic floor

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)

These are typically the first line of treatment for mild prolapse. These exercises involve repeatedly tightening and relaxing the muscles that support your pelvic organs. When performed correctly and consistently, ideally under the guidance of a women’s health physiotherapist, they can significantly improve muscle strength and reduce prolapse symptoms.

Your physiotherapist will teach you the correct technique and recommend a program tailored to your needs, typically involving several sets of exercises performed daily.

Vaginal pessary

A pessary is a soft silicone or rubber device inserted into the vagina to support the uterus and surrounding organs. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes and are fitted by a specialist to ensure comfort and effectiveness. They can be removed and cleaned regularly, or in some cases, left in place for several months at a time.

A pessary can be an effective long-term solution, particularly for women who wish to avoid surgery or are not suitable candidates for surgical treatment.

Hormone therapy (HRT or topical oestrogen)

For post-menopausal women with mild prolapse, oestrogen treatments (such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings) can help improve the strength and elasticity of vaginal tissues, which may ease symptoms and support other conservative treatments.

Surgical treatments for a prolapsed uterus

Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief or if your vaginal prolapse is more advanced (typically Grade 3 or 4) and significantly impacts your daily life and wellbeing. Surgical options include:

Pelvic floor repair (colporrhaphy)

This procedure involves tightening and repairing the stretched vaginal walls using stitches. It’s usually performed through the vagina without any external incisions, although in some cases it may be done via laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Pelvic floor repair can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is considered the most definitive treatment for uterine prolapse. It’s usually only recommended for women who have completed their family or are post-menopausal. The procedure eliminates the risk of uterine prolapse recurrence, though other types of prolapse can still occur.

Learn more about hysterectomy procedures at Ramsay Health Care.

Sacrocolpopexy

This minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure repositions and secures the pelvic organs using surgical mesh or sutures. It's often preferred for younger or more active patients as it preserves the vagina and typically has good long-term outcomes.

Colpocleisis (vaginal closure)

This procedure partially or completely closes the vaginal canal to support the prolapsed organs. It's a shorter, less invasive operation often reserved for women with advanced prolapses who have other health considerations. Colpocleisis prevents penetrative sexual intercourse, so it's only suitable for women who do not plan to have vaginal sex in the future.

What happens during prolapsed uterus surgery?

The exact details of your uterine prolapse surgery will depend on which procedure you’re having and the approach your gynaecological surgeon takes. Your surgical team will explain the specific steps of your planned procedure during your pre-operative consultation. 

The majority of surgeries will be performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. Some minor procedures, such as pessary fitting or certain small repairs, may be performed under local or regional anaesthetic, where the treatment area is numbed.

Common surgical approaches

Pelvic floor repair (colporrhaphy)

The surgeon accesses the vaginal walls internally through the vagina, without making any external incisions. Using specialised surgical instruments, they tighten and stitch the weakened tissue to restore support. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) sacrocolpopexy

Small incisions (usually 3-4) are made in the abdomen. A surgical telescope and specialised instruments are used to reposition and secure the pelvic organs in their correct anatomical position. This approach is often preferred for younger or more active patients as it offers good long-term support and preserves vaginal anatomy.

Hysterectomy for uterine prolapse 

During a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed either vaginally (through the vagina), abdominally (through an incision in the lower abdomen), or laparoscopically (via keyhole surgery). The uterus is carefully detached from the surrounding ligaments and supporting structures, then removed. 

The top of the vagina (vaginal vault) is then supported and secured with sutures to maintain pelvic structure and prevent future vault prolapse. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the approach used.

Colpocleisis

Vaginal tissue is folded inward and stitched together to narrow or close the vaginal canal, providing support for the prolapsed organs. This is a shorter procedure, often preferred for older patients or those with additional health considerations who are not planning to have penetrative sex.

Your Ramsay surgical team will recommend the most suitable surgical approach for your care based on your symptoms, the grade of prolapse, your overall health, and your plans and preferences. They’ll ensure you’re fully informed and confident about what’s involved.

Recovering from prolapsed uterus surgery

Recovery time from uterine prolapse surgery depends on the type of operation you had, your overall health, and how well you follow your recovery plan. 

Most women experience a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, with significant improvement in their prolapse symptoms following surgery. As general guidance, you can typically expect:

Your hospital stay

Less invasive procedures may be performed as day cases, meaning you can go home the same day. More complex prolapse surgeries typically involve staying in the hospital for one to three days while your initial recovery is monitored.

The first 2 weeks of your recovery

During the first two weeks, rest is essential. You should engage in regular gentle movement to aid healing, but avoid anything strenuous. You must avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle and limit yourself to light activities only. 

Some mild discomfort and light vaginal discharge are normal during this period and can usually be managed with oral pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Weeks 2 to 6 of your recovery

During this period, you'll gradually return to most of your daily activities and can begin light exercise such as walking and gentle yoga. 

You should shower rather than take baths and avoid swimming to reduce infection risk. 

If you have a desk-based job, you should be able to return to work during this period. 

You can return to driving once you can comfortably and safely perform an emergency stop and have been cleared by your consultant.

Week 6 and beyond 

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled around the six-week mark to assess your healing and progress. From six weeks onwards, you can typically return to more physically demanding work and strenuous exercise, under the guidance of your consultant or physiotherapist. You'll generally be advised to wait at least six to eight weeks before resuming sexual intercourse, and only after your consultant confirms that healing is complete.

Most women are fully healed by six months and experience significant improvement in their prolapse symptoms and overall quality of life. Continuing with pelvic floor exercises under physiotherapy guidance is strongly recommended after surgery to support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.

When to seek medical advice

While the majority of prolapsed uterus surgeries are successful, complications can occur with any operation. Contact your Ramsay hospital or seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Fever or signs of infection (feeling unwell, chills)

• Increasing pain that doesn’t improve with painkillers

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through pads)

• Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Difficulty urinating or inability to pass urine

Why choose private prolapsed uterus treatment?

Choosing private uterine prolapse treatment can offer a range of benefits, including:

• Enhanced privacy and dignity – Your own private room during consultations and procedures, giving you the comfort and discretion you need when discussing sensitive pelvic floor concerns.

• Faster access to specialist care – See an expert consultant gynaecologist quickly, without lengthy waiting times. When prolapse symptoms are affecting your quality of life, prompt specialist care can make a real difference.

• Continuity of care – You'll be cared for by the same consultant throughout your treatment journey, building a relationship with a specialist who understands your individual needs, symptoms, and goals.

• Flexible appointments – Consultations arranged at times that work around your schedule, including evenings and weekends at some locations.

What is the cost of uterine prolapse treatment?

Uterine prolapse treatment costs with Ramsay Health Care will depend on whether you need non-surgical management (such as pessary fitting and physiotherapy) or surgical treatment, the specific procedure required, and which Ramsay hospital you attend. 

Following your initial consultation, we'll provide you with a personalised quote for your treatment, which will be valid for up to 60 days. 

We offer a range of payment options for your treatment, including:

• 0% Payment Plans: Allowing you to spread the cost of your treatment with fixed monthly payments over a time period that suits you.

• Self-fund treatment: With our all-inclusive Total Care package, you’ll make a one-time payment at a pre-agreed price that covers all the treatment you’ll need.

• Your own medical insurance: Your healthcare insurance may cover your uterine prolapse treatment. You should get written confirmation from your insurance provider before booking.

For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact our friendly team.

Prolapsed uterus treatment at Ramsay Health Care

Choose Ramsay Health Care for your uterine prolapse treatment and benefit from quick access to specialist gynaecological care in a hospital close to you. With hospitals across the UK, we make expert pelvic organ prolapse treatment accessible and convenient.

Our approach is personalised - not one-size-fits-all. We offer the full range of treatment options, from conservative management with pessaries and specialist physiotherapy through to advanced surgical procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your individual situation.

Your Ramsay experience includes:

• Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site parking.

• State-of-the-art facilities with access to the latest minimally invasive surgical technology.

• Comprehensive care and follow-up to monitor your recovery and long-term outcomes.

• Dedicated patient support with easy access to your specialist team throughout your journey.

• Experienced consultants with expertise in pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor reconstruction

Whether you're experiencing early prolapse symptoms or have a more advanced uterine prolapse, our expert team is here to help you find the most effective treatment and regain your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly advisors, find out more about uterine prolapse treatment at Ramsay Health Care, and book your consultation.

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