Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management

Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

This guideline covers assessing and managing urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women aged 18 and over. It also covers complications associated with mesh surgery for these conditions.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has produced guidance for gynaecological services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June 2019, we withdrew recommendations 1.8.21 and 1.8.22 on the use of synthetic polypropylene or biological mesh insertion for women with recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse. We have replaced them with a link to the NICE interventional procedures guidance on transvaginal mesh repair of anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse. For further details see update information.

In July 2018, the Government announced a period of ‘high vigilance restriction’ on the use of a group of procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, in England. This followed a recommendation by Baroness Cumberlege, who is chairing an independent review of surgical mesh procedures and has heard from women and families affected by them. For details, see the letter from NHS England and NHS Improvement to trust medical directors. The high vigilance restriction period was extended in March 2019.


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