Pelvic organ prolapse repair restores support to the bladder, uterus, rectum or top of the vagina when they drop into or beyond the vaginal opening. Mild prolapse is often managed with pelvic floor muscle training or a vaginal pessary. Surgery, done vaginally or laparoscopically and with or without keeping the uterus, is considered when symptoms remain bothersome.
- Diagnosis
- Pelvic exam, same day
- Non-surgical care
- Pelvic floor training, pessary
- Surgery time
- About 1–3 hours
- Hospital stay
- Usually 1–3 nights
- Heavy lifting
- Avoid for about 6 weeks or as advised
- Cost guide
- ₩3M–8M for surgery (general guide)
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse happens when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor weaken, often after childbirth, with aging and menopause, chronic constipation or heavy lifting. One or more organs then sag into the vagina.
| Type | What descends | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior wall (cystocele) | Bladder | Bulge, slow stream, incomplete emptying, leakage |
| Uterine prolapse | Uterus and cervix | Heaviness, something coming down, worse at day's end |
| Posterior wall (rectocele) | Rectum | Difficulty emptying the bowel, needing to press to pass stool |
| Vaginal vault prolapse | Top of the vagina after hysterectomy | Bulge, pressure, discomfort with sex |
Prolapse is graded from stage 1 (mild) to stage 4 (complete) on examination. A feeling of looseness without a bulge is a different issue; see vaginal laxity.
Symptoms and when to see a doctor
- A bulge you can feel or see at the vaginal opening
- Pelvic heaviness or dragging, especially after standing for a long time
- Bladder symptoms: weak stream, frequent urination, urinary tract infections or leakage
- Bowel symptoms: constipation or needing to support the vaginal wall to empty
- Discomfort or reduced sensation during intercourse
Prolapse is not dangerous in most cases, but it is worth assessing when it affects daily life. Leakage with coughing may need separate treatment; see urinary incontinence surgery.
Treatment options compared
| Option | Suited to | Keeps the uterus? |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic floor muscle training | Mild prolapse; preventing progression | Yes |
| Vaginal pessary | Women who prefer to avoid or delay surgery | Yes |
| Vaginal repair (anterior or posterior colporrhaphy) | Bladder or rectal wall prolapse | Yes |
| Uterine suspension (hysteropexy) | Uterine prolapse, wish to keep the uterus | Yes |
| Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or sacrohysteropexy | Vault or advanced uterine prolapse; durable apical support | Either |
| Vaginal hysterectomy with vault support | Uterine prolapse with other uterine problems | No |
| Colpocleisis (vaginal closure) | Older women not wishing to have intercourse | Yes |
Use of transvaginal mesh for prolapse has been restricted in several countries because of complications, and approaches differ internationally. Dr. Cho discusses the benefits, alternatives and risks of each option and, if a procedure is better done at a university hospital, explains the referral.
Weakened pelvic support lets the uterus and vaginal walls descend toward the vaginal opening.
After repair the organs are lifted back toward their normal position and support is restored.
Your prolapse care at Yoonho, step by step
- Consultation in English Symptoms, childbirth history, bladder and bowel habits, and your goals are reviewed.
- Examination A pelvic exam, sometimes standing or while straining, identifies which compartment is affected and the stage.
- Tests Urine test, bladder emptying check by ultrasound and pelvic ultrasound; urodynamic testing if leakage is also a concern.
- Trying conservative care Pelvic floor training or a pessary fitting, with review after a few months.
- Surgical planning If surgery is chosen, the procedure, hospital stay and a written cost estimate are provided.
- Follow-up Check-ups after surgery review healing, bladder function and comfort.
Recovery and possible risks after surgery
- Day 0–3 Hospital stay for most repairs; a urinary catheter may be used briefly.
- Week 1–2 Gentle walking; avoid constipation and straining. Light spotting or discharge is normal.
- Weeks 2–6 Gradual return to desk work and daily tasks; no heavy lifting, intense exercise, intercourse or tampons until cleared.
- Long term Continue pelvic floor exercises and healthy bowel habits to protect the repair.
Risks include bleeding, infection, difficulty passing urine, new or worse stress leakage, pain with intercourse, injury to the bladder or bowel (uncommon) and complications related to any mesh used. Prolapse can recur, sometimes in a different compartment.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, prolapse repair surgery ranges from about ₩3,000,000 to ₩8,000,000, depending on the procedure and hospital stay; a pessary or pelvic floor program costs much less. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- Residents enrolled in National Health Insurance are usually covered for medically necessary repair; see health insurance for foreigners.
- Travelers can request English documents for insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can prolapse improve without surgery?
Mild prolapse often stays stable, and pelvic floor training can reduce symptoms. A pessary can control symptoms of more advanced prolapse for many women without surgery.
Can I keep my uterus?
Often yes. Uterus-preserving suspension procedures are an option for many women; suitability depends on the uterus itself, your age and whether there are other uterine problems.
Will prolapse come back after surgery?
Many repairs last for years, but prolapse can recur, sometimes in a different part of the vagina. Avoiding constipation, heavy lifting and chronic straining helps protect the repair.
Should I wait until I have finished having children?
Generally yes, because pregnancy and birth can affect the repair. A pessary or pelvic floor training can help in the meantime.
How long should I stay in Seoul after surgery?
Plan for about 2 weeks if you can, so that a post-operative check is done before a long-haul flight. Share your travel dates when booking.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
M.D., M.Med. & Ph.D., Chung-Ang University · OB-GYN specialist training, Eulji University Medical Center · Member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.