Uterine suspension surgery, or hysteropexy, repairs uterine prolapse by lifting the uterus and attaching it to strong ligaments or the sacrum instead of removing it. It suits women with bothersome prolapse who wish to keep their uterus and have no other uterine disease. It is done vaginally or laparoscopically, and full recovery takes about six weeks.
- Approaches
- Vaginal or laparoscopic
- Duration
- About 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia
- Spinal or general
- Hospital stay
- Often 1–3 nights
- Full recovery
- About 6 weeks
- Cost guide
- ₩3,000,000–8,000,000
What is uterine suspension surgery?
Uterine prolapse happens when the ligaments and pelvic floor muscles that hold the uterus weaken, often after childbirth, with aging and after menopause, so the uterus drops into the vagina. Women may feel a bulge, heaviness or dragging, and the cervix may be visible at the opening.
Traditionally, prolapse surgery often included hysterectomy. Hysteropexy instead resuspends the uterus and restores the top of the vagina while keeping the uterus. This page focuses on uterus-preserving suspension; all repair types, including bladder and rectal prolapse, are compared on pelvic organ prolapse repair.
Which suspension techniques are used?
| Technique | Route | How it supports the uterus | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacrospinous hysteropexy | Vaginal | Stitches attach the cervix area to a strong pelvic ligament | No abdominal incisions; often shorter recovery |
| Uterosacral ligament suspension | Vaginal or laparoscopic | Shortens and reattaches the natural supporting ligaments | Uses your own tissues |
| Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy | Laparoscopic | A mesh strip attaches the uterus to the sacrum | Durable support; mesh-related complications are possible and are discussed in detail |
The choice depends on prolapse severity, other compartments involved, previous surgery and your preferences. Additional repairs for the bladder or rectum, or for stress urinary incontinence, may be combined.
Weakened supports let the uterus descend into the vagina, causing a bulge and heaviness.
The uterus is lifted and secured to strong pelvic supports while being preserved.
Who is a candidate — and when is hysterectomy better?
Hysteropexy may suit women who:
- Have bothersome uterine prolapse not controlled by a pessary or pelvic floor therapy
- Prefer to keep their uterus
- Have a normal cervix, normal uterine lining and normal recent screening
Hysterectomy-based repair may be advised instead if there is abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding, fibroids or other uterine disease, abnormal cervical screening, or a higher risk of uterine cancer. Women who still plan a pregnancy are usually advised to delay surgery, as pregnancy and birth can affect the repair.
Non-surgical options such as pelvic floor muscle training and a vaginal pessary are always discussed first. Leakage symptoms are covered on urinary incontinence.
Your surgery at Yoonho, step by step
- Consultation and examination Dr. Joonho Cho assesses the type and stage of prolapse, bladder and bowel symptoms, and your goals, in English.
- Tests Ultrasound, cervical screening if due, urine tests and pre-operative blood tests are arranged.
- Shared decision Techniques, the use or avoidance of mesh, risks, recurrence and a written estimate are discussed.
- Surgery Under spinal or general anesthesia, the uterus is lifted and secured; other repairs are done if planned.
- Hospital stay A catheter may stay in briefly. Most women stay about 1–3 nights.
- Follow-up Wound and bladder checks, written aftercare, and a review at about 6 weeks.
Recovery and risks
- Days 1–3 Pelvic soreness and light bleeding are expected; walking is encouraged.
- Weeks 1–2 Gentle activity and desk work for many women. Avoid constipation and straining.
- Weeks 2–6 No heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, tampons or intercourse.
- After 6 weeks Gradual return to full activity once reviewed; continue pelvic floor exercises.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, buttock or leg pain after sacrospinous fixation (usually temporary), bladder or bowel injury, urinary problems, pain during sex, mesh-related complications with sacrohysteropexy, and recurrence of prolapse in the same or another part of the vagina.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, uterine suspension or prolapse repair costs about ₩3,000,000–8,000,000, depending on the technique, combined repairs and length of stay. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- Prolapse repair is medically necessary surgery, and NHI-enrolled residents may be partly covered — see health insurance for foreigners.
- English receipts, a diagnosis and an operation certificate are available for insurance claims.
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, uterine suspension is part of our surgical gynecology service, with pelvic floor care led by Dr. Joonho Cho.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Why keep the uterus if I am done having children?
Some women prefer to keep their uterus for personal reasons, and hysteropexy can avoid a hysterectomy when the uterus is healthy. Outcomes are broadly similar for suitable patients, and your surgeon will explain the trade-offs.
Is mesh used?
Vaginal sacrospinous and uterosacral techniques use stitches without mesh. Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy uses a mesh strip placed through the abdomen; its benefits and risks are explained before you decide.
Can prolapse come back?
Yes, prolapse can recur over time in the same or another area. Healthy weight, avoiding straining and continued pelvic floor exercises may help.
How long should I stay in Korea after surgery?
Plan about two weeks for surgery and early follow-up, and avoid long flights soon after surgery unless your surgeon agrees. Tell us your travel plans early.
Are there non-surgical options?
Yes. Pelvic floor muscle training and a vaginal pessary are effective for many women and are always discussed first.
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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