Common Condition for Women

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A woman's body undergoes many changes throughout her lifetime. Puberty, childbearing years and menopause are all expected to bring changes. However, something women may not plan for is problems with their bladder health.

Bladder problems are often associated with frequent urination and urinary incontinence. But there are other conditions of which to be aware. A cystocele, also known as a prolapsed bladder, is one of them.

Prolapsed Bladder Symptoms

The Mayo Clinic defines a cystocele as when the wall between a woman's bladder and vagina weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to droop and bulge into the vagina. A woman with this condition can report feeling something uncomfortable or hard while sitting or the feeling that something is "dropping" out of her body. Other symptoms may include:

* a feeling of fullness in the pelvis

* a feeling that the bladder hasn't completely emptied after urinating

* recurrent bladder infections

* pain during intercourse

* visual appearance of a bulge protruding from the vagina

Causes of the Condition

A cystocele occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs weaken over time. Normally, strong muscles and ligaments do a good job of keeping the bladder separated and lifted away from the vagina. However, after multiple vaginal births (a main contributor), the muscles may gradually weaken. Straining repeatedly due to constipation, heavy lifting or being overweight or obese can also contribute to a prolapsed bladder.

Some women are genetically predisposed to having weak connective tissue in their pelvis and may be at more risk for a cystocele. Others find they have no symptoms, despite having several children, until after they've experienced menopause. That's because during menopause, estrogen production decreases. Estrogen is largely responsible for keeping pelvic muscles strong.

Cystocele Treatment

A thorough examination will be conducted to diagnose a prolapsed bladder. A urologist may work in conjunction with a gynecologist to come to the conclusion that the condition is present.

For very mild cases, muscle-tightening Kegel exercises may be all that's necessary to help lift the bladder back into its correct position. Post-menopausal women may also be given estrogen therapy.

In more severe cases, the use of a pessary could be prescribed. This is a device that holds the bladder into position. The downside is that it has to be removed, cleaned and reinserted periodically and may also cause irritation. Surgery is the last option to reposition and resecure the bladder.

A prolapsed bladder isn't the only type of pelvic support problem a woman can face. Here are some other types:

* Enterocele, when the small intestine is not supported properly.

* Rectocele, when the rectum is not supported properly.

* Uterine prolapse, when the uterus is not supported properly.

* Vaginal prolapse, when the vagina is not supported properly.

Anyone who feels any discomfort in the pelvic region should consult with their doctor to rule out any of these conditions.