Common questions
These come up again and again in our community. Short answers here, and a link to the fuller page for each one.
What is obliterative surgery, and what does colpocleisis involve?
Obliterative surgery treats prolapse by closing most of the vaginal canal so the organs cannot descend, rather than rebuilding the support that holds them up. Colpocleisis is the main procedure. The surgeon stitches the vaginal walls together in an operation that usually takes about an hour. For the right candidate it works very well and regret is rare, but it does permanently end vaginal intercourse. That is why it is chosen most often by older women who are certain about the trade off.
I am a few days out from a cystocele and rectocele repair. What is normal right now?
Tiredness, light bleeding or discharge, soreness, and a few emotional wobbles are all normal in the first week or two. Walk a little further each day, keep your stools soft, lift nothing that makes you strain, and put nothing in the vagina until you are cleared. Fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, or trouble urinating are all reasons to call your team today rather than wait.
Read the full page on recovery
I keep reading about things I can never do again after surgery. Is any of that real?
Lifelong bans are increasingly questioned by specialists. Much of that old advice was never evidence based, and newer research supports a more individual, more liberal return to activity. What counts is your surgeon's guidance for your operation, so ask them directly, and be specific about the activities that actually matter to you.
Read the full page on recovery
Has anyone had prolapse come back after surgery? How long did it take?
Some anatomical change after a repair is common, but most women never feel symptoms again, and only about one in nine need repeat surgery within five years. When recurrence does happen it is usually in the anterior, or bladder, compartment, and the risk runs higher when the original prolapse was advanced. There are always next options.
Read the full page on recurrence
Has anyone had success with bioidentical hormones?
Low dose vaginal estrogen, on prescription, has good evidence behind it for vaginal tissue health and is commonly used alongside prolapse treatment. Whether it improves the prolapse itself is still being studied. Compounded "bioidentical" hormones are not better proven than the regulated options. Individual experiences vary a lot, so this is worth a conversation with a menopause informed provider.
Read the full page on non-surgical options
What are the most common symptoms?
Pelvic heaviness or dragging, a bulge you can feel or see, symptoms that worsen through the day, leaking when you cough or laugh, and trouble fully emptying your bladder or bowels.
Read the full page on symptoms, including the private self check
Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many women manage prolapse well for years, or for good, with pelvic floor physiotherapy, a pessary, and some changes to everyday habits. Surgery is one option among several, not the default.