Cystocele

Cystocele
Cystocele is the name given to hernia like
disorder in women. Cystocele occurs when the
wall linking the bladder and vagina weakens, as a
result the bladder sag into the vagina. Cystocele
leads to problems such as discomfort, urinary
difficulties, and stress incontinence. The
oestrogen hormone produced in the women’s
body keeps the vaginal muscles strong, but after
menopause, the production of oestrogen is
stopped and as a result, those vaginal muscles
become weak.
Cystocele disorder is also known as prolapsed
bladder or fallen bladder. Cystocele disorder is
divided into 4 stages: mild, moderate, severe, and
complete. These stages are, graded on the basis
of sagging of bladder into the vagina.
Causes of Cystocele
The most common factors related with Cystocele
or prolapsed bladder are:
 Menopause- When the production of oestrogen
hormone is stopped. This generally happens after
the menopause. The oestrogen hormone is
responsible for giving strength and health to the
vaginal muscles.
 Child birth- The delivery process creates an
excess pressure on the vaginal tissue and
muscles. The vaginal tissue and muscle supports
the woman bladder, but after childbirth, they may
become weak.
 Straining- There is multiple causes that may
create strain in the groin area. Lifting heavy
weights, long-term cough and constipation,
which may damage the muscles of the pelvic
floor.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cystocele are visible after the
first stage. The most common symptom of
cystocele is noticing pressure in the vagina or
bladder. Other symptoms of cystocele may
include:
 Pain in the lower back
 Dyspareunia
 Urinary difficulties
 Pain in the pelvic floor
 Bladder infection
 Bleeding
 Broken tissue
 Stress incontinence
Diagnosis of Cystocele
A pelvic exam is carried out in the diagnosis of
cystocele. The extent to which the bladder has
entered the vagina is, checked through this test.

The doctor may also use a voiding

cystourethrogram for diagnosing cystocele.
Cystourethrogram is a sequence of x-rays that
are, taken during the urination.

Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a scope is,

inserted into women’s abdomen. This test lets
the urologist see inside the abdomen.
Treatment
sMedications therapy, and surgery are used for the
treatment of cystocele. Before choosing a treatment, a
doctor analyses the patient’s general health, age, and
severity of the condition.

Estrogen replacement therapy- Also known as

hormone replacement therapy, it is done to reduce the
symptoms of cystocele and protects
against osteoporosis.

Pessary- A mechanical device known as pessary is

placed inside the vagina to hold the sagging bladder
in place. However, there is a risk of infection, if
pessary is not cleaned at regular intervals.
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Treatments
Kegel exercises- The kegel exercises help to
strengthen the vaginal wall and tighten the pelvic floor
muscles. Kegel exercises are very effective in the
treatment of mild cystocele and there are no side
effects associated with it.
Electrical stimulation- A small electrical device is used
that measure and delivers small electrical currents to
contraction the muscles, these contractions of
muscles strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Prolapsed bladder surgery- It is a minor surgery

performed to repair and strengthen the bladder. A
patient is on general anaesthesia during the surgery.