Definition Cystocele is a condition in which part of the bladder drops down, or protrudes, into the wall of the vagina.
What is going on in the body? The bladder is the holding place for urine. It lies just above the vagina in a female. Between the bladder and vagina is a wall made of tissues and muscles that support the bladder and the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
When a woman has a cystocele, the wall supporting the bladder is weaker than usual. This weakening allows part of the bladder to protrude or drop down into the vagina. As the bladder droops into the vagina, the urethra becomes stretched, allowing urine to leak out of the urethra.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? The 2 most common symptoms of cystocele are:
difficulty emptying the bladder during urination
stress incontinence, a condition that causes leakage of urine when pressure is put on the bladder by coughing, sneezing, or laughing
What are the causes and risks of the disease? A cystocele results from a weakening or stretching of the tissues supporting the bladder. The causes of this weakening include:
muscles and tissues being stretched during childbirth
heavy lifting that causes stress on the muscles surrounding the vagina and bladder
repeated straining during bowel movements, which can be caused by frequent constipation
menopause. Oestrogen helps keep the muscles around the bladder and vagina strong. During menopause, oestrogen levels decrease.
normal ageing, which can cause the muscles to become weaker
What can be done to prevent the disease? A cystocele may not be preventable. Using caution when doing heavy lifting may decrease the risk. Careful monitoring, and an episiotomy if necessary, may prevent a cystocele during childbirth. Kegel exercises may strengthen the wall supporting the vagina and bladder.
A pessary may help keep a cystocele from becoming worse. This is a device that can be put into the vagina to hold the bladder in place.
Staying active and eating a healthy diet with fibre, fruits, and vegetables may decrease constipation.
How is the disease diagnosed? Diagnosis begins with a complete history and physical, including a pelvic exam. Other tests may include:
ultrasound, which uses sound waves to show the uterus, bladder, and cervix
voiding cystourethrography, a test in which X-rays of the bladder are taken while the person urinates. This test allows the doctor to see the shape of the bladder. It can also reveal any other reasons why the flow of urine is blocked.
blood tests, including a full blood count, or FBC, to check for infection
other X-rays, scans, or tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms
What are the long-term effects of the disease? Long-term effects of a cystocele depend on the severity of the condition. A cystocele may lead to frequent urinary tract infections. Embarrassment about leaking urine can cause stress. Other long-term effects depend on the success of treatment.
What are the risks to others? A cystocele is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
What are the treatments for the disease? Treatment of a cystocele is aimed at reducing symptoms. These measures may help:
avoiding straining during bowel movements or heavy lifting
doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and vagina
using a pessary, which is a device fitted into the vagina to hold the bladder in place
surgery for severe or persistent symptoms, or for a progressive cystocele. The goal of the surgery is to move the bladder back into its normal position and hold it there.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects that can occur with hormone replacement therapy include vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, abdominal bloating, and headaches. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anaesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the disease? Treatment outcomes vary with the methods used to manage the cystocele. For example, the treatment of mild symptoms might include long-term activity restrictions, such as the avoidance of straining and heavy lifting. A pessary must be removed regularly to avoid infection or irritation of the lining of the vagina. Recovery from surgery may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the procedure used.
How is the disease monitored? Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: Reviewer: eknowhow Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr John Hearne Last Updated: 19/05/2005 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
