Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentOutcomeCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outcome
Coping
Bladderprolapse (cystocele), or a dropped bladder, is one type ofpelvic organ prolapse. The supportive tissues that normally hold up the bladder become weak, and the bladder can drop or fall inside the pelvis. The bladder can then hang down and press into the vagina.
This condition is believed to affect at least half of people who have given birth, but it often occurs without any symptoms. Therefore, many more people may be living with a prolapsed bladder and not know it.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for a prolapsed bladder.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Prolapsed Bladder?
Many people live with cystocele without any symptoms at all. Generally, the worse the prolapse is (the farther down it falls), the more severe the symptoms. Symptoms of a prolapsed bladder include:
If the prolapsed bladder falls far enough, it can also affect sexual intercourse.
Comparing Men and WomenPelvic floor dysfunction leading to bladder prolapse can happen to people of any gender but is more common for people with vaginas.Estimates indicate about half of all women will have noticeable pelvic organ prolapse with a pelvic exam, but only about 3% complain of symptoms.
Comparing Men and Women
Pelvic floor dysfunction leading to bladder prolapse can happen to people of any gender but is more common for people with vaginas.Estimates indicate about half of all women will have noticeable pelvic organ prolapse with a pelvic exam, but only about 3% complain of symptoms.
What Causes a Prolapsed Bladder?
The pelvic floor can be overstretched or become weak for many different reasons, including:
Increased pressure in the belly (abdominal cavity) increases the risk of developing a prolapsed bladder.
How Is a Prolapsed Bladder Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose bladder prolapse. You may be referred to aurologist, a provider specializing in the urinary system or a urogynecologist, a gynecologist specializing in the pelvic floor and urinary tract. They will determine which tests and examinations are most helpful for understanding how your body is functioning.
Your visit may include:
How Is a Prolapsed Bladder Treated?
Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of different treatment options for a prolapsed bladder.
Wait and Watch
Many people have a dropped bladder and no symptoms, so they do not seek treatment. Once your prolapsed bladder has been identified and diagnosed, you may elect to have a healthcare provider monitor your situation with regular exams.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Some physical therapists specialize inpelvic floor therapyto help you gain better control over the muscles that support your bladder.
Kegel exercisesare one type of pelvic floor therapy, but physical therapists trained in pelvic floor exercises have many more tools to help you improve.
For many people, pelvic floor therapy can help with the symptoms of a prolapsed bladder, but it does not restore the bladder to its original position or fix the prolapse.
Pessary
A nonsurgical treatment some people choose to have is called apessary, small silicone tools inserted into your vagina and help support the bladder’s position. A healthcare provider (usually agynecologist) will help you to select the correct device during a pelvic exam.
Many types of pessary can be inserted and removed at home. A healthcare provider inserts other types that remain in place for several months. They will teach you how to insert, remove, and properly care for your device.
Surgery
There are two main kinds of surgery to treat a prolapsed bladder. A provider will discuss the different options.
What Is the Prognosis?
Most people live with bladder prolapse without symptoms and are never diagnosed. See a healthcare provider if you have pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or other symptoms.
Once your bladder has fallen inside your belly, the only permanent fix is surgery. However, you may be able to manage the symptoms without surgery. If your prolapse is mild, ask your provider about steps you can take to slow or halt the progression of the prolapse. For some people, safe lifting techniques and other lifestyle changes may help.
If you have been diagnosed with cystocele, your provider will often categorize how far the bladder has fallen. Many different levels of treatment are available, and you should discuss your options.
How to Cope
A prolapsed bladder can be uncomfortable, causing pressure or a feeling that something is falling out of your vagina. Issues with voiding (urinating) can also be frustrating or may lead to infections or kidney disease complications.
Consult with a healthcare provider, such as a urologist or gynecologist, about your concerns. You provider will do their best to be straightforward and compassionate. You may be able to find some treatments that help manage your symptoms.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Saunders K.Recent advances in understanding pelvic-floor tissue of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: considerations for physical therapists.Physical Therapy. 2017;97(4):455-463. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzx019National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Cystocele.Columbia Surgery.Pelvic floor disorders.Iglesia CB, Smithling KR.Pelvic organ prolapse.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):179-185.Urology Care Foundation.Bladder prolapse (cystocele).
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Saunders K.Recent advances in understanding pelvic-floor tissue of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: considerations for physical therapists.Physical Therapy. 2017;97(4):455-463. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzx019National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Cystocele.Columbia Surgery.Pelvic floor disorders.Iglesia CB, Smithling KR.Pelvic organ prolapse.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):179-185.Urology Care Foundation.Bladder prolapse (cystocele).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Saunders K.Recent advances in understanding pelvic-floor tissue of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: considerations for physical therapists.Physical Therapy. 2017;97(4):455-463. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzx019National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Cystocele.Columbia Surgery.Pelvic floor disorders.Iglesia CB, Smithling KR.Pelvic organ prolapse.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):179-185.Urology Care Foundation.Bladder prolapse (cystocele).
Saunders K.Recent advances in understanding pelvic-floor tissue of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: considerations for physical therapists.Physical Therapy. 2017;97(4):455-463. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzx019
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Cystocele.
Columbia Surgery.Pelvic floor disorders.
Iglesia CB, Smithling KR.Pelvic organ prolapse.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):179-185.
Urology Care Foundation.Bladder prolapse (cystocele).
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