How effective is pelvic floor repair surgery for pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic tissues no longer support the bladder, uterus, top of the vagina, or bowel area as expected. Repair is designed around the part or parts that have descended. It may reduce a visible or felt bulge, dragging pressure, difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying, and activity-related discomfort.

Improvement is not the same for everyone. Symptoms can come from more than one pelvic organ or from muscle, bladder, or bowel conditions that repair does not treat directly. A specialist reviews your examination, symptoms, previous procedures, general health, and plans for pregnancy before discussing the likely result.

Ask whether monitoring, pelvic floor exercises, a pessary, or surgery fits your symptoms and priorities. If surgery is chosen, clarify which areas will be repaired, how recovery will be managed, and what lifting, exercise, work, and sexual activity restrictions apply. Preventing constipation and following wound-care instructions support healing. More information is available under [Pelvic Organ Prolapse](/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/) and [Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/pelvic-floor-repair-surgery/).

Before treatment, arrange assessment for a new bulge, bleeding, persistent pelvic pressure, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel. After surgery, seek urgent help for inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness. Contact the surgical team for fever, foul discharge, wound problems, or a sudden change in bladder or bowel function.

Which organs are prolapsed? Which symptom should improve first? Could a pessary or physiotherapy meet my goals? What could happen to bladder or bowel function during recovery, and when can I resume usual activities?