What is a cystocele?

Sourced from The Hysterectomy Association: Hysterectomy Association - Hysterectomy Association - hysterectomy, menopause and hormone replacement therapy (hrt) information and support for women. A cystocele (pronounced sis-toe-seel) is also called an anterior prolapse, dropped or prolapsed bladder. It often occurs because the wall between the vagina and bladder has been torn or weakened during childbirth allowing the bladder to bulge or drop into the vaginal vault. Other less common causes can be severe obesity, straining regularly because of chronic constipation, violent coughing or even lifting heavy things incorrectly. As with all types of prolapse, the effects can range from mild to severe and may need treatment or not, depending on whether or not it is affecting a woman’s quality of life or health. A mild cystocele (grade 1) might not even be noticed by some women and may only be diagnosed when a nurse or doctor is doing a pelvic examination. In these cases strengthening exercises for the abdominal muscles and pelvic region may be recommended. Alongside avoiding getting constipated and heavy lifting Kegel and pelvic floor exercises can often be enough to prevent the prolapse from worsening. The most common symptoms are a feeling of heaviness in the abdominal region and pain or leaking during sex. A severe cystocele (grade 2 or 3) is where the fallen bladder is noticeable to the woman, perhaps even protruding from the vagina and between the labia (folds of skin a...
Source: The Hysterectomy Association - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Women's Health cystocele Source Type: news