The embarrassment many women feel about gynaecological matters means that many do not seek medical help for prolapse, which means it is difficult to put a figure on how many individuals experience it. However, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it seems to be extremely common, with around half of women over 50 having some symptoms and one in 10 having had surgery for it by the age of 80 years.

Prolapse occurs because the pelvic floor – ligaments and muscles that hold the lower abdominal organs in place – becomes weak. The most common reason for this is pregnancy and childbirth, particularly if the baby was large, or labour was prolonged or culminated in an instrumental delivery, but the menopause, being overweight, constipation, prolonged heavy lifting, persistent coughing and a hysterectomy can all contribute.