Prolapsed Bladder

I've tried two pessaries. The first was too big and very painful. The second was too small and fell out! There was no Goldilocks right size, so I opted for surgery. It went pretty well.

The first pessary I had fitted fell out but since then they have remained in place and have not caused any problems or any infections.
I am on the waiting list for surgery but in the meantime the pessary is fine. No pain in fitting.

I had surgery around 6 years ago for my bladder prolapse. They did tell me , it could drop down again and it has. It was good whilst it lasted

When I had my bladder prolapse, I saw the NHS physios twice, first in a group meeting then 1 to 1, where all the options of exercises, pessaries and surgery were discussed. That was it, what happened going forward was up to me to ask for.
I started the pelvic floor exercises then decided to go private and see a women’s health physio. She has been a godsend, I rarely feel any prolapse now.. I also have had a rectal prolapse which manifests itself very occasionally depending on what I’ve been eating.
Here’s the thing though, it’s taken 3 years to gradually get to this point, doing the exercises three times a day and gradually building up the number of repetitions. I still do them, you can’t give up, I view them as no different from cleaning your teeth everyday, a regular habit to pursue.
My GP told me most women give up after a few weeks, I’m not surprised when there’s no ongoing support and encouragement.
The thought of pessaries and surgery, not necessarily successful in the longer term, has helped keep me going also.

My prolapse was caused by hauling heavy sacks of compost etc round the garden when unknown to me, I had weak pelvic floor muscles, the only part of my body I didn’t exercise!
I think every woman approaching menopause and beyond it should do them as an insurance policy, a prolapse is no fun at all.

This is a very simple and effective exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles as advised by a nurse to my friend with this problem.
While cleaning your teeth go up and down on your toes. You will feel those muscles strengthen immediately.

Thanks everyone for answering. I'd had a prolapse in 2009 and was definitely told it was my womb that had dropped so I was shocked when the GP said those 2009 hospital notes say it was a bladder prolapse. At the time I was told I'd have a mesh fitted to support my womb. I chose not to have that op after researching and finding that an awful lot of women had serious side effects and caused disabilities. I read recently that the mesh op is now no longer an option because of this and is only done under exceptional circumstances. What I thought was a prolapsed womb either righted itself (?) or was less noticeable due to having lost some weight back then. It's good to hear positive comments about the ring so if it doesn't work first time, I know to persevere as one size doesn't fit all. I'm still reluctant to go for surgery and have no idea what that entails yet. I will follow your advice and will religiously do the exercises. Just hope it's not too long for the physio appointment. Once again thank you ladies - next time I'm coming back as a man 😅

Petra - just letting you I'm following your advice and was amazed to feel a bit of difference yesterday. Brushing and ballet twice a day

Just an update - I've had a pessary fitted today and the difference is amazing as I've been able to plonk myself down in a chair without having to gingerly sit. The fitting was quite painful - the nurse said it is a bad prolapse. My bowels are normally very regular - daily - but today nothing and no sign. Sorry if too much info. The nurse said pessaries can cause constipation and wonder if anyone else has experienced this?

My mother had surgery for this years ago.
She was fine afterwards. No further problems ever.

Good luck.

Sorry, got distracted in the kitchen where I'd gone to make tea.
I see you updated us.
Will keep my finger's crossed that your bowels just need yo settle down.
🤞

Hi fellow prolapse friends! I have bladder and bowel. Started approx after menopause. Couldn’t pee. First few years GP didn’t bother to look and fobbed me off with antibiotics for bladder infection. Eventually had a physical exam and it was obvious then. referred to NHS physio. Usual pelvic floor exercises advised. They work if you do them! Have had a ring pessary for years. Works well and not painful but definitely causes constipation as obstructs the passage, so to speak. Hydration and fibre in diet are key! I think pessary was a Godsend for me TBH. Would hate surgery and dread!

I had a prolapsed uterus. My GP said she could fit a pessary but recommended a hysterectomy. She visited very elderly, frail patients to change their pessaries and said she would personally prefer surgery, so I followed her advice.
I also had prolapsed bladder and bowel which were repaired at the same time. Despite doing the exercises and using Ovestin, my bladder has prolapsed again.
I was advised never to lift anything heavy again but that is not really practical.