When the vagina bulges into the urinary bladder, it is called Cystocele. Experts also refer to this disorder as the Prolapsed bladder. When the tissues and ligaments within the vagina stretch or become vulnerable, this condition may occur. The likelihood of this disorder increases with age as the tissues and muscles tend to weaken with time.
As you read this article, you will come across every Cystocele symptom and cause. With this, we aim to raise awareness regarding this condition in females and urge you to visit your healthcare provider for a check-up if necessary.
Here is a more comprehensive detail on Cystocele and its treatments.
What Are Some Common Cystocele Symptoms?
Cystocele symptoms are more likely to worsen with the increase in the severity of the condition. That is why it is imperative to learn about the symptoms, identify them, and get the right treatment on time.
- Vaginal bulge
- Urgent tendency to urinate
- Consistent urinary tract infections
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty inserting Tampons
- Problems trying to urinate
- A tendency that feels like something is falling out of the vagina
- Pain in the lower back or pelvic region
- Urinary inconsistency
What Are The Causes Of Cystocele?
For most parts, a weakened muscle or tissue in the body that is responsible for supporting the bladder may cause this condition. However, other related factors trigger Cystocele symptoms. These are:
- Childbirth and pregnancy
- Coughing constantly
- A sudden decline in the levels of estrogen because of increasing age
- Undergoing cancer treatment for your pelvic region
- Rigorous physical activity
- Genetic factors
- Deficiency of estrogen in the body
- A medical history that showcases pelvic reconstructive surgeries
What Are The Risks Of Cystocele?
1. Age
We have already explained how age can be a driving factor in worsening Cystocele symptoms. Since women produce a lesser amount of estrogen after arriving at Menopause, the risk of Cystocele increases considerably. As a result, the strength of the pelvic-floor declines with advancing age.
2. Genetic
In most cases, individuals who are born with vulnerable tissues may be more susceptible to this condition.
3. Pregnancy And Childbirth
Generally, during multiple pregnancies, the instrument-assisted delivery may increase the risk of Cystocele. Alongside this, infants who are overweight or quite heavy during their birth can also increase the risk of this condition in your vagina.
4. Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, you may be more prone to suffering from Cystocele symptoms.
5. Hysterectomy
In many cases, individuals who get their uterus removed may also be at a higher risk of this problem. It might be due to the weakening of their pelvic floor.
What Is The Treatment For Cystoceles?
The choice of treatment that you undergo can impact your sexual performance, your ability to conceive, and other factors. That is why careful research around treatment for Cystocele is necessary.
Generally, your doctor will recommend you both surgical and non-surgical treatments depending on the severity of your condition. In case of non-surgical treatment, you will be recommended Pessary and Pelvic floor exercises. Naturally, these are more convenient, healthy, and flexible options. However, Obliterative surgery or Anterior Colporrhaphy might be recommended if your condition demands.
In the case of Obliterative surgery, your doctor will shorten a specific part of your vagina. The doctor may even narrow your entire vaginal path if need be. However, Anterior Colporrhaphy is where the surgeon will replace the bladder and tighten the tissues and muscles responsible for holding the bladder with stitches.
Author: Vikas Choudhary