Consulting in Castle Hill and Eastwood. Delivering at The San and Norwest Private. Call (02) 9894 9225
Dr Chris SaadieObstetrician & Gynaecologist

Prolapse and incontinence

Prolapse and bladder leakage are common after childbirth and menopause. They're treatable, and you don't need to wait until they're severe to get help.

What is it?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the uterus, bladder or bowel weaken, so one or more of these organs drops into the vagina. Stress urinary incontinence is leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise. Pregnancy, vaginal birth, menopause, chronic coughing, constipation and heavy lifting all increase the risk, and the two problems often occur together.

Common symptoms

  • A heavy or dragging feeling in the vagina, often worse at the end of the day
  • A bulge or lump you can feel or see at the vaginal opening
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
  • Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise
  • Needing to pass urine urgently or often
  • Discomfort during sex

How it's diagnosed

Dr Saadie will ask about your symptoms and do a pelvic examination to see which organs are affected and how much. Bladder tests, such as a urine test or urodynamic studies, may be arranged before surgery for incontinence.

Treatment options

Many women improve without surgery. Options include:

  • pelvic floor muscle training with a pelvic health physiotherapist
  • a vaginal pessary, a removable device that supports the vaginal walls
  • vaginal oestrogen after menopause
  • lifestyle changes such as managing constipation, weight and heavy lifting
  • surgery, including vaginal repair of the front or back wall, vaginal hysterectomy, and operations for stress incontinence

Dr Saadie performs operations for uterovaginal prolapse and stress incontinence and will help you weigh up surgery against other options.

When to see a doctor

See your GP if you feel a bulge or heaviness in the vagina, leak urine during everyday activities, or have trouble emptying your bladder or bowel.

To see Dr Saadie, ask your GP for a referral, then request an appointment or call (02) 9894 9225.

More information

Other conditions

General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Updated November 2026.

Ready to book your first visit?

Ask your GP for a referral, then request a time at Castle Hill or Eastwood. Our team will call you to confirm.

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