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Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms can noticeably affect everyday life—yet many women hesitate to talk about them for a long time. You may notice a feeling of pressure in the pelvis, a foreign-body sensation in the vagina, or the feeling that “something is pulling downward.” Such symptoms are common, especially after pregnancy and childbirth, during menopause, or with increasing age, as the elasticity of connective tissue and the supportive function of the pelvic floor weaken.
The important message is: you do not have to simply live with this. At the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich, we take prolapse symptoms seriously and support you with clear diagnostics, understandable counseling, and an individually tailored treatment concept.
Pelvic organ prolapse is common and affects an estimated 30–50% of women, particularly after menopause. It can significantly reduce quality of life.
Our goal at our gynecology practice in Zurich is to relieve symptoms, improve your quality of life, and help you regain confidence in your body—step by step and at a pace that suits you.
Pelvic organ prolapse—also referred to as pelvic floor descent, descent (descensus), or prolapse—occurs when organs in the pelvic area descend. Most commonly affected are the uterus, bladder (anterior vaginal wall), vagina, rectum (posterior vaginal wall), or other pelvic organs.
The cause is usually a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and supportive connective tissue. These changes may be mild and barely noticeable—or more pronounced, leading to symptoms. The severity and direction of the prolapse, as well as the structures involved (such as the bladder, vagina, vaginal opening, and ligaments), influence the type and intensity of symptoms.
About one in three women over the age of 55 has weakened pelvic floor muscles. A strong pelvic floor supports organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum.
Pelvic organ prolapse is not uncommon. Many women experience some degree of pelvic floor weakness during their lifetime—for example, bladder prolapse (cystocele), uterine prolapse, vaginal prolapse, or bowel involvement. Typical symptoms include a feeling of pressure or a foreign-body sensation in the lower abdomen, a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder or bowels, bladder weakness, and discomfort at the vaginal opening. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life.
What matters most is not just the clinical finding, but above all: how do you feel? And what do you need to feel stable and comfortable again?
Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms can present in different ways. Some women mainly feel pressure, while others experience problems with urination or bowel movements. At the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich, we help you recognize common warning signs early.
Common symptoms include:
These symptoms can significantly restrict quality of life.
If you recognize these complaints, a gynecological evaluation is advisable—not because something serious is necessarily wrong, but because there are usually very effective, everyday-friendly treatment options.
Pelvic organ prolapse usually develops as a result of several combined factors. A key issue is strain or weakening of the pelvic floor and connective tissue. With increasing age, connective tissue elasticity decreases, raising the risk of prolapse.
Causes are varied and include physical strain, age, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and excess weight.
The most common risk factors include:
Pelvic organ prolapse may also be associated with inflammation, particularly in the vagina, causing pain and discomfort—especially during sexual intercourse.
Important: Pelvic organ prolapse is not a “failure” of your body. These are often understandable changes related to life stages and physical strain—and they can be effectively improved.
Over the course of their lifetime, up to 11% of women undergo surgery for prolapse conditions.
The pelvic floor is the central support system for pelvic organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum. This fine yet powerful muscle structure and surrounding connective tissue keep the organs in place and allow them to function properly.
When these structures weaken—due to overuse, hormonal changes, or aging—the pelvic organs may descend or shift. This leads to typical prolapse symptoms such as pelvic pressure, a foreign-body sensation in the vagina, or urinary incontinence.
Feelings such as “something pressing downward” or a vaginal foreign-body sensation are warning signs that the pelvic floor needs support. Targeted pelvic floor training can strengthen the muscles, stabilize connective tissue, and reduce symptoms. This improves organ support and restores confidence in everyday life.
history. We ask about your specific symptoms, daily activities, physical strain (e.g., work, sports, lifting), previous births, and what matters most to you—such as pain relief, improved stability, or comfortable sexual activity again.
Accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the cause of prolapse symptoms, bladder weakness, or urinary incontinence and to initiate appropriate therapy.
Diagnostics may include:
We place great importance on explaining findings clearly. You should understand what is present, how medically relevant it is, and which options truly suit you. In complex cases, referral to a specialized pelvic floor center may be recommended for comprehensive care.
Not every prolapse requires surgery. Treatment options include conservative measures such as pelvic floor training, local hormone therapy, and pessary treatment. In many cases, symptoms can be significantly improved with these approaches.
Regular pelvic floor training strengthens muscles and reduces the risk of further prolapse. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles helps relieve symptoms. Local estrogen therapy may also provide support. Treatment may include exercise guidance, nutritional counseling, and physiotherapy.
At our gynecology practice in Zurich, we work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your life stage and goals.
Targeted pelvic floor training is often a highly effective foundation—provided it is properly guided and integrated into daily life. Many women train inconsistently or incorrectly. We help you find the right approach, often in cooperation with specialized physiotherapists.
A pessary is a device inserted into the vagina to mechanically support pelvic organs. It can be an excellent option if you:
At the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich, we advise you on type, fitting, care, and follow-up intervals to ensure safe and comfortable use.
During menopause, tissues may become more sensitive and symptoms may worsen. In selected cases, local hormone therapy can help stabilize and improve the vaginal lining. We assess suitability carefully and individually.
If prolapse is severe or conservative treatments are insufficient, surgery may be considered. Reconstructive surgery aims to restore the position of prolapsed organs by tightening weakened tissue. Synthetic mesh may be used to reinforce weak areas. Various procedures are available, including anterior or posterior vaginal wall repair. Minimally invasive approaches, such as robot-assisted da Vinci sacrocolpopexy, are also used.
The goal of surgery is to restore and stabilize organ position. The decision should be made after thorough counseling and consideration. During consultation, we discuss:
If further treatment is needed, we support and coordinate next steps so you feel well cared for—both medically and personally.
After successful treatment, follow-up care is essential to promote healing and prevent recurrence. At the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich, we continue to support you after surgery or conservative treatment with an individualized, holistic approach.
Our interdisciplinary team of gynecologists, urologists, and specialized physiotherapists develops tailored therapy plans based on your needs. Pelvic floor training is a key element, complemented by physiotherapy and, if needed, nutritional counseling. You will receive practical everyday tips on posture, gentle movement patterns, and pelvic-floor-friendly lifestyle habits.
This approach helps relieve symptoms sustainably and restore quality of life step by step.
Many women ask how they can actively prevent prolapse. The good news: there is a lot you can do. Regular, targeted pelvic floor training is one of the most effective preventive measures. A healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, and mindful handling of physical strain—such as avoiding heavy lifting—also protect the pelvic floor.
Maintain good posture and integrate pelvic-floor-friendly movements into daily life. Regular preventive checkups help detect early symptoms and allow timely intervention. Speak openly with your gynecologist about changes or concerns—early treatment can prevent significant impact on quality of life.
Your pelvic floor deserves attention—and you deserve the best support for an active, symptom-free life.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects not only the body, but often confidence, sexuality, sports, and everyday control. That is why we value combining medical clarity with empathetic support.
At the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich, we take time to assess your symptoms and develop a plan that brings relief—without overwhelm, shame, or rushed decisions.
If you feel that “something isn’t right” or your body no longer feels as stable as it used to, that is a good reason to seek evaluation. Pelvic organ prolapse is treatable—and with the right measures, noticeable improvement is often achievable.
Pelvic floor changes are common after pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to pregnancy and childbirth, the most common causes of prolapse symptoms include age, obesity, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and physical stress. If pressure, foreign body sensation, or incontinence persist, an accurate diagnosis is important in order to select the right treatment.
No. Many women benefit from pelvic floor training, pessary therapy, and other conservative measures. Surgery is only necessary in certain cases. You can find detailed information about surgical treatment options on our website.
Some types of strain (e.g., vigorous jumping, heavy lifting) can exacerbate symptoms. With targeted advice, we will work with you to find activities that are good for you and do not overstrain your pelvic floor.
For many patients, yes—often noticeably and quickly. The key is proper fitting and regular check-ups.
If you notice a feeling of pressure, a foreign body sensation, problems with urination or bowel movements, or a bulge—or if you simply want clarity. In complex cases, it may be advisable to refer you to a specialized pelvic floor center for a comprehensive diagnosis and individualized therapy.
Note: This information is for guidance only and does not replace an individual medical examination or consultation. If you have persistent or increasing symptoms, please make an appointment at the GYNMED gynecology practice in Zurich.
We are a dedicated team committed to providing you with the best possible medical care and support.
At the same time, we want you to feel comfortable with us and confident that all your concerns are in good hands.
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Outside our office hours, you can contact the doctor on duty at the gynecology clinic at See-Spital Horgen – Tel. 044 728 17 10.
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