1 in 3 Australian women have some symptoms of prolapse but not all need surgery. Many patients can do very well with the use of vaginal hormone treatment, supporting vaginal pessaries and specific pelvic floor exercises under the care of a specialist physiotherapist.

Prolapse refers to descent of the pelvic organs into or outside the vagina. The pelvic organs are normally supported and kept in their original position by muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor, However these muscles and ligaments can become stretched or damaged after childbirth or the menopause.

Many women may have some degree of prolapse when examined but quite often they do not have any discomfort and do not need treatment.

The symptoms of prolapse can vary according to which organ becomes displaced into the vagina or outside.

• Uterine prolapse: involves the descent of the uterus and cervix down the vaginal canal due to weak or damaged pelvic support structures.
• Cystocoele: involves the descent of the bladder and can be noted as a bulge over the anterior vaginal wall.
• Rectocoele: involves the descent of the rectum and can be noted as a bulge over the posterior vaginal wall.
• Vaginal vault prolapse: this happens in women who have had a hysterectomy and no longer have the uterus. The top of the vagina descends into the vaginal canal.