- Symptomatic success at 5 years is around 85–95% depending on the operation.
- Success is anatomical, symptomatic and quality-of-life based.
- Rehabilitation before and after surgery meaningfully improves outcomes.
How success is measured
Reconstructive surgeons look at three things: anatomical outcome (the POP-Q stage on examination), symptomatic outcome (has the bulge, dragging or leakage resolved?), and patient-reported quality of life. All three matter; a technically perfect repair that leaves the patient dissatisfied is not a success.
Realistic long-term numbers
For a well-selected, well-performed native-tissue prolapse repair, symptomatic success at 5 years is around 85–90%. Sacrocolpopexy or sacrohysteropexy figures at 5 years are higher, around 90–95%. Stress incontinence surgery has satisfaction rates around 85% at 5 years.
These numbers come from large published series and depend heavily on case selection, surgeon experience and postoperative rehabilitation.
How to give yourself the best result
Optimise weight, treat chronic cough and constipation, complete a structured pelvic floor rehabilitation programme both before and after surgery, and avoid heavy lifting during the healing period. These matter as much as the operation itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recurrence rate?
For primary native-tissue repair, symptomatic recurrence is around 10–15% over ten years.
If it comes back, can it be re-done?
Yes — recurrent prolapse can be repaired, though the operation is technically more demanding.
Could a doctor-led plan help you?
A 30-minute video consultation with Dr Berra Önsoy — reviewing your symptoms, any UK imaging or referral notes, and giving you a clear, personalised next step. Suitable for women considering treatment from anywhere in the UK.
Request a video consultation