What criteria should I use to refer a patient with pelvic organ prolapse to a specialist?

Refer women with pelvic organ prolapse to a specialist if they have symptoms that are not explained by physical examination findings, or if they have incidental findings of prolapse during assessment for other conditions, and require specialist evaluation [1: 1.6.2].

Women should be referred for specialist assessment if they have symptomatic prolapse that warrants further management, such as consideration of surgical or pessary treatment, especially if initial conservative management is ineffective or not suitable [1: 1.6.2].

Referral is also indicated if a woman has symptoms of prolapse that are bothersome and for which surgical intervention is an option, or if she is considering surgical procedures, to facilitate shared decision-making and detailed assessment [1: 1.6.2].