Ryan Stewart, DO
Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026

What Happens If Prolapse Is Left Untreated?

Pelvic organ prolapse is not a medical emergency, and leaving it untreated is a valid choice for many women. Prolapse typically progresses slowly over years, and some women have stable prolapse that never worsens significantly. Understanding the natural course helps you make an informed decision about when — or whether — to pursue treatment.

The Natural Course of Prolapse

Without treatment, prolapse generally follows one of three patterns:

Stays stable — some women have the same degree of prolapse for years
Progresses slowly — gradual worsening over months to years
Fluctuates — symptoms vary with activity level, time of day, and hormonal changes

Prolapse isn’t like cancer — it doesn’t spread or become dangerous. The question isn’t whether you need to treat it, but whether it’s bothering you enough to want treatment.

Potential Consequences of Untreated Prolapse

As prolapse progresses, you may experience:

Increasing bulge sensation — the most common symptom
Difficulty with bladder emptying — may need to reposition to urinate fully
Bowel function changes — difficulty with complete evacuation
Activity limitations — discomfort with exercise, walking, or standing
Sexual discomfort — awareness of the bulge during intimacy

Rare Complications of Advanced Prolapse

In very advanced, long-standing cases:

Exposed vaginal tissue can become dry, irritated, or develop ulceration
Severe prolapse can occasionally obstruct the ureters (tubes from kidneys to bladder)
Chronic incomplete bladder emptying can increase UTI risk

These complications are uncommon and almost always occur with prolapse that has been very advanced for a long time.

When to Consider Treatment

The right time for treatment is when prolapse affects your quality of life. There is no medical timeline — the decision is based on your symptoms and preferences.

I see women who’ve had prolapse for 20 years and are doing fine with no treatment. I see others who want treatment right away. Both are reasonable. My role is to make sure you know your options and feel empowered to choose what’s right for you.

← Learn more about Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Frequently Asked Questions

Is untreated prolapse dangerous?

Prolapse is almost never medically dangerous. In rare cases of very advanced prolapse, the exposed tissue can develop ulceration or the prolapse can obstruct the ureters, but these situations are uncommon and usually occur only with severe, long-standing prolapse.

Will my prolapse definitely get worse?

Not necessarily. Some women have stable prolapse for years. Others experience gradual worsening. Factors like weight, constipation, heavy lifting, and menopause influence progression.

When should I seek treatment?

When prolapse symptoms interfere with your quality of life — whether that's physical discomfort, activity limitations, bladder or bowel problems, or emotional distress. There's no urgency from a safety standpoint, so the timing is up to you.