Bladder prolapse, also known as cystocele, occurs as a result of the weakening and elongation of the support tissue between the vaginal wall and the bladder of women. The weakened and elongated tissue causes the bladder to rest against the vagina. Bladder prolapse, which can also be defined as the prolapse of the bladder or urethra into and out of the vagina, can occur for different reasons and must be taken seriously and treated.
Causes of Bladder Prolapse
The pelvic floor of women is made up of ligaments, tissues and muscles that support the bladder and pelvic organs. For some reasons, these muscles, ligaments and tissues may weaken and the bladder may slide lower than normal and protrude into the vagina. Generally, pregnancy, normal childbirth and birth-related traumas, obesity, constant weight lifting, chronic cough or bronchitis, constipation and straining are among the causes of urine prolapse.
Symptoms of Bladder Prolapse
- Feeling of pressure in the pelvis and vagina
- Frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence during laughing, coughing and sneezing
- Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
- Urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Prolapse of a mass from the vagina and its visibility
Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Bladder Prolapse
A prolapsed bladder is a condition that is usually noticeable from the outside. However, in some cases, bladder prolapse can also occur in women who have no complaints. Prolapse will be easily detected during a gynecological examination of women with the above symptoms. If there are complaints about the bladder, a complete urinalysis, urine culture and kidney function tests may be requested in addition to gynecological examination, but the full diagnosis of the disease can be made by urogynecological examination.
Treatment of bladder prolapse may vary according to factors such as age, health status of the woman, and whether she wants pregnancy or not. If the sagging is mild, treatments to prevent its progression and laser are generally not recommended. Instead, exercises and care that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are recommended. If the measures taken are not sufficient in the treatment of bladder prolapse, laser treatment can be applied to the patient. If laser treatment does not give results, cystocele surgery may be necessary. For patients who cannot tolerate surgery, a vaginal pessary can be inserted.
