---
title: "Pelvic organ prolapse: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic-floor treatment, pessaries and surgery, plus when urinary symptoms need urgent help."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/
robots: noindex
---

# Pelvic organ prolapse: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic-floor treatment, pessaries and surgery, plus when urinary symptoms need urgent help.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What is pelvic organ prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the womb, bladder or bowel bulges into the vagina because supporting tissues have weakened. It may cause heaviness, a vaginal lump, bladder or bowel difficulty or discomfort during sex. Pelvic-floor physiotherapy, a pessary or surgery can help.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Pelvic organ prolapse, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about pelvic organ prolapse

- Childbirth, ageing and menopause can contribute, but anyone with symptoms deserves assessment.
- Treatment depends on symptoms rather than appearance alone.
- Pelvic-floor physiotherapy is commonly offered first.

## Symptoms

People may notice dragging or heaviness, a lump inside or outside the vagina, incomplete bladder emptying, leakage, constipation or discomfort during sex.

## Assessment

A GP or specialist may examine the pelvis and ask how symptoms affect daily life. You can request a female clinician or chaperone.

## Treatment options

Mild symptoms may need only pelvic-floor training and lifestyle measures. Pessaries and different operations are available when symptoms remain troublesome.

## ! When to see a GP about pelvic organ prolapse

See a GP if you feel or see a vaginal bulge, have pelvic heaviness or develop bladder or bowel difficulty. Seek urgent advice if you cannot pass urine, have severe pain, heavy bleeding or tissue that is very swollen, ulcerated or cannot be gently reduced.

## Common questions about pelvic organ prolapse

Can pelvic organ prolapse improve without surgery? Yes. Pelvic-floor training, managing constipation and weight, and a vaginal pessary can control symptoms. Can I exercise with prolapse? Many activities are possible, but high-impact or heavy-straining exercise may worsen symptoms. A pelvic-health physiotherapist can tailor advice. What is a pessary? A pessary is a removable device placed in the vagina to support prolapsed organs. It needs fitting and regular care.

## Sources

- [NHS — Pelvic organ prolapse](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/)