The bladder is a hollow, balloon-like organ made mostly of muscle. It stores urine before it leaves the body through the urethra. Maintaining bladder health is essential for avoiding complications like bladder prolapse and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Also called cystocele, bladder prolapse occurs when the bladder drops and bulges into the vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic floor muscles occurs when the bladder drops and bulges into the vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. In severe cases, the prolapsed bladder can appear at the opening of the vagina or even protrude through it.. Bladder prolapse is common in women and often leads to symptoms such as:
Bladder prolapse is common in women and often leads to symptoms such as:
If you are one of them, you may have a heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area; painful intercourse; or tissue that can be seen coming out of the vagina that may be tender or bleeding. If you have a mild case, it may not cause any symptoms.
Under normal conditions in women, the pelvic organs are held in place by a “hammock” of supportive pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. When these tissues are stretched and/or become weak, the bladder, small bowel, rectum, vagina, and urethra can drop and bulge through this layer into the vagina.
Causes of pelvic organ prolapse are pregnancy and childbirth, aging and menopause, obesity, fibroids, chronic coughing or constipation, lifting heavy objects, prior pelvic surgery, certain genetic conditions, and some neurological conditions or spinal cord injury. These prolapses can be treated as non-surgical treatments and surgical approaches.
Also called enterocele is when the small intestine drops down between the back of the vagina and the rectum. This may occur at the same time as the prolapse of the uterus or rectum.
A rectocele is present when the rectum bulges into the back of the vagina.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops down in the vagina.
A Urethrocele develops when the urethra, which transports urine from the bladder and out of the body, slips, and pushes against the lower part of the front of the vagina.
This can only occur if the woman has had a hysterectomy. It is when the top of the vagina falls in on itself.
Bladder prolapse can develop for many reasons. The most important factor is stress on this supportive “hammock” of muscles during vaginal childbirth. If you had many pregnancies or have delivered vaginally you are at higher risk for bladder prolapse.
Heavy lifting or chronic coughing can lead to prolapse in some women. Even constipation or frequently straining to pass stool, obesity or being overweight, menopause (when estrogen levels start to drop) and pelvic surgery may contribute to bladder prolapse.
Bladder prolapse means you may have frequent urination or the urge to urinate, or you may leak urine with activity, known as stress urinary incontinence.
You may not feel bladder relief immediately after urinating. You may have frequent urinary tract infections.
If you are one of them, you may have a heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area; painful intercourse; or tissue that can be seen coming out of the vagina that may be tender or bleeding. If you have a mild case, it may not cause any symptoms.
Prolapse can usually be detected with a pelvic exam.
However, a test called a voiding cystourethrogram may be required. This test involves a series of X-ray pictures that are taken during urination. These pictures will show the shape of the bladder and will help identify obstructions blocking the normal flow of urine. Other X-rays and tests may also be required to find or rule out problems in other parts of the urinary system.
For mild cases of bladder prolapse, non-surgical options like “Kegel” exercises and other pelvic floor exercises to make the pelvic floor muscles stronger and possibly help treat prolapse. Estrogen replacement therapy may help improve tissue strength and elasticity, reducing symptoms.
A pessary, which is a vaginal wall support device, can provide better support for your internal organs, including the bladder. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention to restore pelvic floor support and reduce the risk of complications like recurrent UTIs or urinary retention.
You may need surgery for bladder prolapse treatments if you have a bothersome case that cannot be managed with a pessary or exercise. If your prolapse is left untreated, over time the condition may get worse. In rare cases, severe prolapse can cause urinary retention, which is the inability to urinate. This may lead to kidney damage or infections. Speak to your health care provider if you are concerned about bladder prolapse.
Bladder and pelvic floor symptoms rarely exist in isolation, which is why this treatment is offered as part of UroHealth Partners’ comprehensive Women’s Health services in Omaha. Our urogynecology team evaluates how issues like prolapse, incontinence, urgency, pain, and overactive bladder may be connected, then tailors a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
If you are dealing with more than one pelvic or bladder concern, exploring the full range of options in our Women’s Health program can help you understand which therapies may work together to give you the best results.
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.
From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our urology specialists in Omaha, NE & Council Bluffs, IA will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.
Contact our women’s health clinic in Omaha or Council Bluffs office today