Understanding Cystocele: Symptoms and Treatment

What is Cystocele?

A cystocele is essentially a prolapsed bladder. A woman’s bladder lies in front of the vagina, and it is supported by strong muscular and connective tissue. When that tissue becomes weak and loses some of its elasticity, the bladder can begin to bulge into the vagina. This is also known as anterior prolapse. The word anterior refers to the front wall of the vagina.

The tissue can weaken for a variety of reasons, including childbirth or pelvic trauma. A cystocele may result from the repeated strain of heavy lifting, severe coughing, or chronic constipation.

Another common cause of cystocele is menopause. The hormone estrogen typically keeps a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues healthy and supple. During menopause, the body decreases its production of estrogen, which can lead to the degeneration of these muscles.

Cystocele Symptoms

You may not notice any symptoms if your cystocele is mild. However, some symptoms that are commonly reported are:

• The sensation of pressure in your pelvis
• Pain or discomfort when lifting heavy objects, coughing, or straining your pelvic muscles
• The feeling that your bladder is never completely empty
• Leaking urine during sex or strenuous activities
• Pain during sex
• Persistent bladder infections
• A palpable or visible bulge protruding outside your vagina (severe prolapse)

Risk Factors for Cystocele

Although a prolapsed bladder can happen to anyone, they are much more likely in certain populations.

• Vaginal delivery. Women who have delivered one or more children naturally are at a higher risk of cystocele.
• Menopause is another factor that increases a woman’s risk for cystocele, due to the reduction in estrogen that keeps the vaginal tissue strong.
• The condition appears to have a hereditary component.
• Being obese or overweight may increase your risk.
• Women who have had their uterus surgically removed may have damaged or weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Diagnosing Cystocele

If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, make an appointment with your gynecologist. Your doctor will want to perform a pelvic exam to look for any bulging in your vagina. You may be asked to contract different groups of muscles, such as those you would use to hold your urine or to have a bowel movement.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and how the cystocele affects your daily life. You may need to undergo a test to evaluate how well your bladder is functioning, and a sample of urine may be collected to check for any infections.

Treating Cystocele

Some cases won’t require any medical intervention, especially if the cystocele isn’t causing any uncomfortable symptoms. In these cases, you may be sent home with a self-care plan that involves exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This alone can sometimes improve the condition.

Why choose Dr. Aliabadi?

Dr. Aliabadi and her compassionate gynecology and obstetrics team are experts in women’s healthcare. When you’re treated by Dr. Aliabadi, you’re guaranteed to feel safe, heard, and well cared for.

We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.

The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.