Procedure prep
Fasting Before Prolapse Repair
Pelvic organ prolapse repair lifts and supports organs that have dropped into the vaginal wall, usually through the vagina with no outside cut. Here is how to get ready so your surgery can go ahead smoothly.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Estrogen, HRT, or the combined pill — these can raise clot risk and may be paused. Confirm timing with your team.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Iron tablets & other supplements — ask whether to keep taking them before surgery.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen) — ask, as these can increase bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the day or two before
- A urinary or vaginal infection that needs treating first
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test
- Eating or drinking inside the fasting window by mistake
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance or hospital paperwork
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any relevant scans, ultrasound, or specialist letters
- A responsible adult to take you home and stay overnight
- Loose, comfortable clothes and any prescribed creams
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general or spinal anesthesia, and may I choose?
- Which of my regular medicines should I stop, and when?
- Will I wake up with a urinary catheter or a vaginal pack, and when do they come out?
- When can I eat and drink, and will I go home the same day?
- How long must I avoid heavy lifting, straining, and sex?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a catheter or pack after the surgery?
Often yes. Many people wake up with a thin urinary catheter so the bladder can rest, and sometimes a soft gauze pack inside the vagina to limit bleeding. These are usually removed within a day or so, often before you go home, though some people need the catheter a little longer until they can pass urine normally. Your team will tell you exactly what to expect for your operation.
Is there a non-surgical option instead of repair?
Yes. A pessary, a small removable device placed in the vagina to support the prolapse, is a common non-surgical alternative and can be a good fit if you want to avoid or delay surgery. It does not cure the prolapse but can ease symptoms. Discuss whether it suits you with your gynecologist.
How long until I can lift things and get back to normal?
Recovery focuses on protecting the repair, so you will be asked to avoid heavy lifting, hard straining, and constipation for several weeks. Light walking is encouraged early on. Your surgeon will give you specific timelines for lifting, exercise, and returning to work or sex.
Can I drink water before I come in?
Usually yes. Clear fluids are generally allowed up to about 2 hours before your arrival time, and a sip of water with approved medicines is normally fine. This actually helps you feel better and is safe with modern anesthesia. Stick to the exact cut-off your hospital gives you.