Went to have a smear test, was told I had a serious vaginal prolapse

[TheRoseHiker]

I’m 40 with two kids (natural child birth) and at my last smear test the Doctor tells me I have a quite serious vaginal prolapse and was surprised I wasn’t in pain. I don’t feel the pressure, pain I’ve read about - but I have an abdominal separation which has never grown together. It’s still about 3 cm and I look bloated/pregnant regardless of how much Pilates I do.. can this be related at all? I can’t run, jump or sneeze without peeing a bit. Have been quite diligent with pelvic floor excessive, but doesn’t seem at all. My last pregnancy was 5 years ago. My first labour was extremely long and the pushing stage took almost 4 hours (baby’s head got stuck.) Which could explain the prolapse I guess. Apart from this doctor who performed the smear test nobody has mentioned it (had a coil fitted a few months before and nothing was mentioned.)

Now I’m not quite sure what to do. Any insights? Should I try and get surgery for the prolapse all though I’m not in pain? I’m up for booking an appointment with the GP, just trying to get my head around what my options could be first.

There are lots of things they can do before surgery. I have a mild prolapse and have been referred to a gyno for pelvic floor physio plus studies to identify the precise problem. They mentioned the next step could be a pessary. All this before surgery. I would talk to your GP about referring you to an appropriate clinic to discuss.

Can you go to a pelvic physio privately? (saves the waiting!!)
they’re the experts, they check your ab separation, pelvic floor, diet lifestyle etc and give you exercises to do to strengthen core, try to improve any prolapse etc etc.
prolapse can come and go without rhyme or reason, or because of stress, being tired.. Also worth an appointment to evaluate how you actually perform pelvic floor exercises. I went for an assessment and was so surprised that my exercises definitely weren’t as intense as I should have been doing!

I'd get an appointment with a specialist women's physiotherapist. They are experts in the area. They'd help you with the leaking too.
If you do have a prolapse you need to mind it to stop it getting worse.
Until you know more, don't do any exercise which pushes down your abdominal muscles. Many pilates exercises are unsuitable. No running. Divide shopping into smaller bags, use a trolley in the supermarket. Don't push furniture around.
If you are not in pain and have no problems weeing or pooing etc then maybe it's not a problem nor will it be.
But these things can get worse after menopause when the ligaments slacken.
Don't fret just yet, many women have prolapses but it doesn't bother them.

There's a great service called a "Mummy MOT" (just google) in which a specialised individual can assess your prolapse. I went and had one after each natural birth and got some great advice for repairing any issues. More efficient than GP and NHS physio in my opinion.