Prolapse woes. Can a gp actually do anything?

[CreatingHavoc]

I definitely have some sort of prolapse, probably bladder prolapse. Already waiting on a gynae referral for something else but if I go to the gp with this new, very obvious prolapse, can they do anything? Can they give me a ring pessary or is that gynae only? Can they refer me to women's physio?

Also, is it common for prolapse to be missed as I was told I didn't have one by 2 different gp's recently. Been having urinary and bowel issues for ages but only in the last couple of weeks has it become very obvious I have a prolapse. (TMI - if I look down there with a mirror and look inside I can see it).

My GP was really helpful. I was suffering from repeated UTIs and had had several courses of antibiotics from other GPs at the practice. She gave me a thorough examination and diagnosed a moderate bladder prolapse. She fitted a ring pessary straight away. This has been really successful for me - no more UTIs and I am on my second pessary as she likes to change them every six months. You have nothing to lose by asking your GP. Good luck.

Thanks, I hope my GP will be helpful. Things are very uncomfortable atm!

My GP huffed and puffed when I asked for a pessary despite gynae telling me to get one and my pelvic physio not fitting them.

I did get one in the end but I got very tired of taking it out to poo as I had a rectocele and the poo would push it out every time. Also no sex with it in.

@Ilovelowry that sounds awkward. Was it resolved in the end?

Unfortunately not. I had prolapse surgery and it failed within a couple of months. So I'm back to square one.

Most people have successful surgery though.

Also, if your prolapse is only slight, it can be improved and reversed with physio.

Make sure you find a good pelvic floor physio.

@Ilovelowry sorry to hear its not worked out for you. Hope it can be fixed somehow. I've booked a gp appointment this morning as I can't deal with not being able to wee properly anymore! Hope they don't fob me off...

@CreatingHavoc thats great. They may well direct you to a physio first.

Also you can buy pessaries privately too if they suggest that. Some people prefer rings, others cubes.

I didn't know I had prolapses, it never occurred to me to look at my vulva so I got a shock when I was told I had them. I had to Google as I had never heard of it! (and I have a university degree so don't consider myself uneducated 😂)

@Ilovelowry i only heard of them because of being checked for them previously and being told I didn't have one, on multiple occasions.

That's good to know pessarys can be bought privately, I definitely need something to help.

Well, she said I don't have a prolapse. Which is good I suppose. Doesn't explain the weird bulge in my vag though :/ will just have to wait for the gynae referral I guess.