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Prolapse of the anterior (front) vaginal wall
Cystocele (bladder prolapse) - When the bladder prolapses, it falls towards the vagina and creates a large bulge in the front vaginal wall. It's common for both the bladder and the urethra to prolapse together. This is called a cystourethrocele and is the most common type of prolapse in women.
Urethrocele (prolapse of the urethra) - When the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) slips out of place, it also pushes against the front of the vaginal wall, but lower down, near the opening of the vagina. This usually happens together with a cystocele.
Both the prolapse of the bladder and urethra are easy for a Doctor or health care professional to see during a physical examination. They often occur at the same time and are usually caused by damage that happens when a baby is born via a vaginal delivery.
Symptoms of a prolapse of the bladder and urethra
Many women have some degree of bladder and urethral prolapse, Some women exhibit no symptoms and in others symptoms do not appear for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include the following :
Difficulty urinating,
Involuntary release of urine - urinary incontinence
Pain during during sexual intercourse.
Treatment
Surgery is not required unless the symptoms interfere with daily activities. There are things that a woman can do to improve her bladder prolapse and prevent it from worsening, these include:
Avoid standing for long periods of time.
Eat a high fibre diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain bread and cereal, to prevent constipation and reduce straining.
Perform regular pelvic floor exercises. These help strengthen weakened muscles, aid recovery after pelvic surgery, and will reduce symptoms like leaking urine and backache.
Surgery to treat bladder and urethral prolapse
Bladder and urethral prolapse often occur with the prolapse of other pelvic organs such as uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse (rectocele), or small bowel prolapse (enterocele).
Unless another health problem is present that would require an abdominal incision, the bladder and urethra are usually repaired through an incision in the wall of the vagina. This surgery pulls together the loose or torn tissue in the area of prolapse in the bladder or urethra and strengthens the wall of the vagina to prevent prolapse from recurring.
Prevention
Women can reduce their risk of bladder prolapse, or prevent it from worsening by doing the following :
Avoid standing for long periods of time.
Eat a high fibre diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain bread and cereal, to prevent constipation and reduce straining.
Do regular pelvic floor exercises. These help strengthen weakened muscles, aid recovery after pelvic surgery, and may reduce symptoms like leaking urine and backache.
Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight
Avoid heavy lifting and straining.
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