A cystocele, also known as a fallen bladder, occurs when the partition that separates a woman’s bladder from the vagina deteriorates resulting in the bladder sagging into the vaginal complex causing discomfort and incontinence. Some women experience urine leakage during coughing or even sneezing.
An experienced physician can diagnose a fallen bladder from a physical examination and perhaps an x-ray. The x-ray film will reveal the shape of the bladder and allows the doctor to visualize blockages of the urinary tract. While these are effective methods to isolate a fallen bladder, they have also been proven effective to rule out other problems.
A fallen bladder can be a real problem that has a range of treatment options. For those patients suffering from a serious case of cystocele, surgery will probably be required. The surgery to correct large cystoceles is designed to move the bladder into a more normal position and maintain its functionality.
Performed by a qualified urologist, the most common surgery for the repair of a fallen bladder is for the practioner to make an incision in the vaginal wall to tighten the layers of tissue and supporting architecture; thereby, creating a support system for the bladder. Once the operation is complete, the patient may be required to stay in the hospital for several days with full recovery taking up to six weeks.
A fallen bladder may result from over straining muscles during childbirth. Any other type of straining such as heavy lifting may also cause the bladder to fall. The naturally occurring female hormone Estrogen helps to keep the vaginal muscles strong and capable of maintain structural integrity. During menopause, the female endocrine system ceases to produce this vital hormone, leading to muscle weakness in the vagina and bladder.
