A cystocele (also known as fallen bladder) occurs when the wall between a woman's bladder and her vagina weakens, and allows the bladder to droop into the vagina. A cystocele may cause discomfort, and problems with emptying the bladder.
A cystocele can result from muscle straining while giving birth. Other kinds of straining -- such as heavy lifting, or repeated straining during bowel movements -- may also cause the bladder to fall.
The hormone, estrogen helps keep the muscles around the vagina strong. When women go through
menopause (when they stop having periods), their bodies stop making estrogen, so the muscles around the vagina and bladder may grow weak.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cystocele?
There are two kinds of problems normally seen with a cystocele:
- Unwanted urine leakage
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
In some women, a fallen bladder stretches the opening into the urethra, causing urine leakage when the woman coughs, sneezes, laughs, or moves in any way that puts pressure on the bladder.
A cystocele is mild (grade 1) when the bladder droops only a short way into the vagina. With more severe (grade 2) cystocele, the bladder sinks far enough to reach the opening of the vagina. The most advanced (grade 3) cystocele occurs when the bladder bulges out through the opening of the vagina.
A doctor may be able to diagnose a grade 2 or grade 3 cystocele from a description of symptoms, and from physical examination of the vagina, because the fallen part of the bladder will be visible.
A voiding cystourethrogram (sis-toe-yoo-REETH-roe-gram) is a test that involves taking x-rays of the bladder during urination. This x-ray shows the shape of the bladder, and lets the doctor see any problems that might block the normal flow of urine. Other tests may be needed to find a cystocele, or rule out problems in other parts of the urinary system.
Cystocele Treatment Options
Cystocele treatment options range from no treatment, for a mild cystocele, to surgery, for a serious cystocele.
If a cystocele is not bothersome, the doctor may only recommend avoiding heavy lifting, or straining, that could cause the cystocele to worsen.
If cystocele symptoms are moderately bothersome, the doctor may recommend a pessary, which is a device placed in the vagina, to hold the bladder in place. Pessaries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to allow the doctor to find the most comfortable fit for the patient. Pessaries must be removed regularly to avoid infection or ulcers.
Large cystoceles may require cystocele surgery, to move the bladder back into a more normal position, and keep it there. This cystocele surgery may be performed by a gynecologist, a urologist, or a urogynecologist. The patient should be prepared to stay in the hospital for several days, and take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully.
