Vaginal Prolapse
Treatment Sheffield
Surgical and non-surgical treatment for all types of pelvic organ prolapse, provided by Professor Swati Jha — RCOG Subspecialty Trained Urogynaecologist with over 3,000 prolapse surgeries performed.
At a Glance: Vaginal Prolapse Treatment in Sheffield
Professor Swati Jha is a Consultant Urogynaecologist and Prolapse Surgeon in Sheffield specialising in the assessment and treatment of vaginal prolapse and pelvic floor disorders. She leads Urogynaecology Services, Perineal Trauma Service, Mesh Complication Service and Paediatric Gynaecology Services at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
She provides both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, including vaginal pessaries, native tissue prolapse surgery, recurrent prolapse surgery, vaginal vault prolapse repair and uterine-preserving procedures. Her approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning and evidence-based care tailored to each woman’s symptoms and goals.
Subspecialty Urogynaecology · Sheffield
Vaginal Prolapse — Assessment & Treatment in Sheffield
Prolapse is common, often poorly diagnosed, and frequently undertreated. A correct assessment by a subspecialty-trained urogynaecologist as me is the necessary first step — not every prolapse needs surgery, and not every prolapse that needs surgery needs the same operation.
Private consultations with me are available at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield. No GP referral required.
15+
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Worried About a Vaginal Bulge or Heaviness?
If you have noticed a vaginal bulge, a feeling of heaviness or pressure, or the sensation that something is “coming down”, you may be experiencing vaginal prolapse.
Many women tell me that symptoms start gradually and become more noticeable over time. You may find that symptoms are worse after standing for long periods, exercising, lifting, or at the end of the day.
You may also experience:
- A visible or felt bulge in the vagina
- Bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency or incomplete emptying
- Bowel symptoms
- Discomfort during everyday activities
- Reduced confidence or quality of life
These symptoms are common and, importantly, they are treatable. My role is to help you understand what is causing your symptoms and what treatment options are available.
Symptoms of prolapse are not an inevitable consequence of childbirth or ageing. Many can be resolved or substantially improved with the right treatment. A specialist assessment is the right place to start.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters in Vaginal Prolapse
Not all prolapse is the same.
A vaginal bulge may involve the bladder, bowel, uterus or the top of the vagina. Different types of prolapse require different treatment approaches, which is why accurate diagnosis is so important.
During your consultation, I will assess not only the anatomy but also how your symptoms affect your daily life. Treatment decisions should be based on your symptoms, lifestyle and personal goals, rather than examination findings alone.
Accurate diagnosis helps ensure that treatment is appropriate, effective and tailored to your individual needs.
Types of Vaginal Prolapse
More than one type may be present simultaneously. Treatment depends on which compartment or compartments are affected.
ANTERIOR PROLAPSE
Cystocele
The bladder descends into the front wall of the vagina. The most common type. May cause a vaginal bulge, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, or urinary symptoms including urgency and leakage.
POSTERIOR PROLAPSE
Rectocele
The bowel descends into the back wall of the vagina. May cause a vaginal bulge, incomplete bowel emptying, or the need to press on the vaginal wall to defaecate.
APICAL PROLAPSE
Uterine Prolapse
The uterus descends into the vaginal canal. Often accompanied by anterior or posterior prolapse. May be managed with uterus-preserving surgery (hysteropexy) if hysterectomy is not desired.
POST - HYSTERECTOMY
Vault Prolapse
The top of the vagina descends after a previous hysterectomy. Requires apical support — typically laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or sacrospinous fixation — to correct durably.
When to Seek a Specialist Assessment
A specialist assessment is appropriate in any of the following circumstances.
- You have a vaginal bulge or feel that something is coming down — this warrants examination regardless of whether it is causing symptoms
- Your bladder or bowel symptoms have not been fully explained — prolapse is frequently overlooked as a cause
- You have been told you have prolapse but are not sure what this means for your treatment options
- Conservative treatment (physiotherapy or pessary) has not provided adequate relief
- You want to understand all your options — including whether surgery is appropriate and if so, which procedure — before making a decision
- You have had previous prolapse surgery and are experiencing recurrence or new symptoms
A GP referral is not required. I see self-referred patients directly.
Treatment Options for Vaginal Prolapse
The right option depends on the type and severity of prolapse, your symptoms, and your goals.
FIRST LINE FOR MOST PATIENTS
Non - Surgical Treatment
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Vaginal pessary fitting
- Vaginal oestrogen
- Lifestyle modification
WHEN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT IS INSUFFICIENT
Surgical Treatment
When physiotherapy and pessary have not provided adequate relief, or when there is a clear functional indication, surgery offers durable anatomical correction.
- Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy
- Sacrospinous fixation
- Hysteropexy (uterus-preserving)
- Anterior & posterior repair
Surgical options in detail
What to Expect at a First Consultation
A private consultation is an opportunity to understand your symptoms properly and make an informed decision — with no pressure to proceed with anything.
- Detailed symptom history
I take a thorough history of your symptoms — how long they have been present, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life, bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
2. Clinical examination
A vaginal examination allows me to identify which compartments are affected and stage the prolapse using POP-Q criteria. You can bring someone with you, and a chaperone is always available.
3. Clear diagnosis
I explain what has been found — the type of prolapse, which structures are involved, and how it is staged — in plain terms.
Conservative and surgical options are both discussed. I give you my honest recommendation. If surgery is not what I would advise, I say so.
5. A clear plan
You leave knowing your diagnosis and what to do next — whether that is physiotherapy, a pessary fitting, a pre-operative assessment, or simply reassurance that no treatment is required.
Why Choose Professor Swati Jha?
I am a consultant urogynaecologist with a specialist interest in vaginal prolapse, pelvic floor disorders and reconstructive pelvic surgery.
As an RCOG-accredited subspecialist in urogynaecology and an Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield, I combine specialist clinical practice with teaching, research and national leadership roles.
Patients choose to see me because they value:
- Specialist expertise in prolapse and pelvic floor disorders
- Consultant-led care throughout
- Clear explanations and honest advice
- Access to both non-surgical and surgical treatment options
- Personalised treatment planning
My aim is to ensure that you understand your diagnosis, your options and the next steps in your care.
I have performed more than 3000 prolapse surgeries as a Consultant till date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vaginal prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor support structures weaken and one or more pelvic organs — the bladder, uterus, or bowel — descend into or through the vaginal canal. It affects up to half of all women who have given birth, though not all cases cause symptoms requiring treatment.
What are the symptoms of vaginal prolapse?
Common symptoms include a feeling of something coming down or bulging from the vagina, a visible or palpable lump at the vaginal opening, pelvic heaviness or pressure that worsens later in the day, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, needing to push on the vaginal wall to open the bowels, urinary leakage on coughing or exercise, and discomfort during sex.
What are the different types of prolapse?
The main types are cystocele (bladder into the front vaginal wall), rectocele (bowel into the back vaginal wall), uterine prolapse (uterus into the vaginal canal), and vault prolapse (top of the vagina after hysterectomy). More than one type may be present at the same time — which is common and affects treatment planning.
Can prolapse be treated without surgery?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy and vaginal pessary fitting are effective for many women and are my first recommendation in most cases. Vaginal oestrogen in postmenopausal women also improves tissue quality and symptoms. I recommend surgery only when conservative management has not provided adequate relief or when there is a clear functional indication.
Who is the best prolapse surgeon in Sheffield?
I am Professor Swati Jha, a subspecialty-trained Consultant Urogynaecologist and the Urogynaecology Clinical Lead at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. I hold RCOG subspecialty accreditation in urogynaecology, have performed more than 3,000 prolapse operations, and am rated 4.98/5 from over 180 verified patient reviews on Doctify. Private consultations are available at Spire Claremont and Circle Thornbury Hospitals — no GP referral required.
Does prolapse get worse over time?
Prolapse can progress without treatment, particularly if contributing factors — chronic straining, heavy lifting, or low oestrogen — are not addressed. However, prolapse does not inevitably worsen, and appropriate conservative management can stabilise or improve symptoms in many women.
Do I need a GP referral to be seen privately in Sheffield?
No. You can book a private consultation directly without a GP referral by contacting my secretary Lauren Hudson at admin@swatijha.com or calling 07990 251036.
Book a Private Prolapse Consultation in Sheffield
No GP referral required. Appointments available on Tuesday and Friday.
Spire Claremont Hospital
401 Sandygate Road
Sheffield S10 5UB
Spire Claremont Hospital
401 Sandygate Road
Sheffield S10 5UB
Secretary: Lauren Hudson . 07990251036 . admin@swatijha.com