Do I Have A Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)?

Do you have a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis and vagina?

Do you have a feeling of heaviness or pain in the pelvis or lower back that can get worse when standing, lifting, straining, coughing or as the day goes on?

Can you feel the bulge of tissue in your vagina?

Can you see something bulging through the opening of the vagina (a tissue that may be tender or blleding)?

Do you have problems urinating, such as difficulty starting a urine stream, or the feeling that you have not completely emptied the bladder after urinating?

Do you have leakage of urine, which can be worse with heavy lifting, coughing, laughing or sneezing?

Do you have frequent urination or a frequent urge to urinate?

Do you have frequent urinary tract infections?

Do you have painful sex or urine leakage during sex?

Do you have problems inserting tampons or applicators?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a bladder prolapse. A bladder prolapse is also known as a fallen bladder or cystocele. It is a medical condition in which the bladder descends from its normal position and protrudes into the vaginal area due to the weakness of the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor that support the bladder. A prolapsed bladder is common in women, especially those who have had a long and difficult childbirth or have given birth more than once. The risk of bladder prolapse increases with age, especially after menopause. It is also common in overweight and obese women.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a bladder prolapse. A prolapsed bladder or cystocele occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the bladder stretch or weaken. The bladder descends and presses against the wall of the vagina. Depending on the severity, a bladder prolapse can be classified as mild (the bladder drops on a small part of the vagina), moderate (the bladder descends to the opening of the vagina) or severe (the bladder protrudes through the opening of the vagina). A diagnosis is based your medical history, a pelvic examination, and bladder and urine tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a bladder prolapse. A bladder prolapse is a fairly common condition in women, in which the bladder drops into the vaginal area due to weakness of the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor. If your symptoms are mild and do not significantly interfere with your daily life, treatment will not be necessary, but you must avoid straining or heavy lifting. There are several options for treating a prolapsed bladder, which include weight loss, estrogen replacement therapy, Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, the use of a pessary (a vaginal support device) and surgery.