Cystocele

Description

A condition in which the bladder drops from its usual position in the pelvis and pushes on the front wall of the vagina.

Overview

A cystocele happens when the pelvic floor becomes weak or if there's too much pressure on the pelvic floor. This can happen over time, during vaginal childbirth, or with ongoing constipation, hard coughing or heavy lifting.

Symptoms

Cystocele symptoms can include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis and vagina. Some people see or feel a bulge in the vagina. Some people have trouble urinating. The symptoms may go away when lying down.

Treatments

Cystocele treatment can include doing pelvic floor exercises and using a device called a pessary that supports the bladder. If these don't help, surgery can put the vagina and other pelvic organs back in place.