A prolapsed bladder, also known as cystocele, is a condition in which the bladder base and vaginal wall fall into your vaginal canal because the muscle between your vagina and bladder has stretched and weakened. In severe cases of prolapsed bladder, it can appear in the opening of your vagina.

Consult the best urologist in Brooklyn if you have symptoms of prolapsed bladder. Contact us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center.

There are three grades of cystocele:

• Grade 1 (mild) – the bladder only falls a little into your vagina
• Grade 2 (moderate) – the bladder falls into the opening of your vagina
• Grade 3 (severe) – the bladder bulges through the opening of your vagina

Causes

Risk factors for a cystocele may include:

• Family history or genes
• Obesity
• Hysterectomy
• Frequent coughing
• Constipation
• Vaginal birth
• Intense physical activity, heavy lifting
• Aging and drop in estrogen
• Repeated strain or increase of pressure in the pelvic area
• Certain constructive tissue disorders

Symptoms

Most women with prolapsed bladder experience no symptoms. But if you have an advanced prolapsed bladder, it is very likely that you will experience symptoms.

• A vaginal bulge or the feeling of that something is falling out from your vagina
• Increased pressure in your vagina or pelvis area
• Urine leakage or incontinence
• Slow urine stream
• Frequent and urgent urination
• Painful sex
• Frequent urinary tract infections

Treatment

A mild prolapsed bladder may not require treatment especially if you have no symptoms, other than to avoid heavy lifting that could cause the condition to get worse. But if you have symptoms, your urologist may need to recommend nonsurgical treatment or surgery, depending on its severity.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Weight loss
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Kegel exercises to strengthen the urethra, vagina, and rectum. This will help tighten the muscles used to stop the flow of urine
• Vaginal pessary (a small device inserted into your vagina to support the vaginal wall and hold your bladder in place)

Surgical Treatments may be considered if the nonsurgical treatments do not work or if your condition is severe. The most common procedure done is the anterior vaginal repair also called anterior colporrhaphy. Another surgical option is obliterative surgery. This procedure is done to close off all or part of your vagina to provide support for the bladder.

Prevention

Prolapsed bladder cannot usually be prevented but there are steps you can take to relieve the symptoms and help prevent it from getting worse.

• Do pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Prevent and treat constipation
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Treat or control chronic cough

Although a prolapsed bladder is not life-threatening, it can still give an impact on your quality of life. And if not treated, the condition will get worse which can cause kidney damage or infection. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our urologist in East New York can help you treat and manage your condition well. To schedule an appointment, you may call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.