Do You Need a Referral for Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery?

Pelvic floor repair surgery may be considered for problems such as a vaginal or pelvic bulge, pressure, or difficulty with bladder or bowel function. A referral helps a urogynaecology team review your symptoms, examination findings, previous treatments, pregnancy and birth history, and overall health. Surgery is not chosen from symptoms alone; the specialist discusses alternatives, possible procedures, recovery, and whether further tests are needed.

Begin with your primary doctor, gynaecologist, or another clinician familiar with your symptoms. Ask whether the referral should go to urogynaecology and what records should accompany it. Keep a brief record of pressure, bulging, urine leakage, bowel changes, discomfort, and how these affect daily activities. At the consultation, ask what the examination involves and whether non-surgical treatment could be tried or continued.

See [Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/pelvic-floor-repair-surgery/) for an overview of the treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, inability to urinate, or a painful protruding bulge that cannot be returned gently. Contact a clinician soon for new bleeding after menopause, blood in the urine, or a sudden change in bowel control. Urgent symptoms should be assessed before focusing on an elective surgical referral.

Ask what is causing the symptoms, which repair options fit your findings, and what non-surgical choices remain. Clarify the expected recovery, catheter or wound care, activity restrictions, follow-up, and signs that should trigger an urgent call.