Cystocele
The cystocele, also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a medical condition in which a woman's bladder bulges into her vagina. Some may have no symptoms. Others may have trouble starting urination, urinary incontinence, or frequent urination. Complications may include recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary retention. Cystocele and a prolapsed urethra often occur together and is called a cystourethrocele. Cystocele can negatively affect quality of life.
| Cystocele | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Prolapsed bladder, dropped bladder, anterior vaginal wall collapse |
| A cystocele protruding through the vagina in a 73-year-old woman. | |
| Pronunciation |
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| Specialty | Urology, gynecology |
| Symptoms | Trouble starting urination, incomplete urination, urinary incontinence, frequent urination |
| Complications | Urinary retention |
| Types | Grade 1, 2, 3 |
| Risk factors | Childbirth, constipation, chronic cough, heavy lifting, being overweight |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Bartholin cyst, nabothian cyst, urethral diverticulum |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes, pelvic muscle exercises, vaginal pessary, surgery |
| Frequency | ~33% of women > 50 years old |
Causes include childbirth, constipation, chronic cough, heavy lifting, hysterectomy, genetics, and being overweight. The underlying mechanism involves weakening of muscles and connective tissue between the bladder and vagina. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and examination.
If the cystocele causes few symptoms, avoiding heavy lifting or straining may be all that is recommended. In those with more significant symptoms a vaginal pessary, pelvic muscle exercises, or surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery typically done is known as a colporrhaphy. The condition becomes more common with age. About a third of women over the age of 50 are affected to some degree.