Bladder Prolapse

A Cystocele, or bladder prolapse can affect you in various ways:

Cystocele / Bladder Prolapse

The front wall of the vagina supports the bladder and it can weaken and loosen with age. If it deteriorates the bladder can prolapse or fall into the vagina. A Cystocele is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse and is commonly associated with prolapses of other organs.

Urethrocele or Urethra Prolapse

The urethra carries urine from the bladder out of the body. A prolapsed urethra occurs when the tissues surrounding the urethra drop downwards into the vagina.

Cystourethrocele

Often the bladder and urethra will prolapse together this is known as Cystourethrocele.

What causes the Bladder and/or Urethra to prolapse?

• Pregnancy/multiple childbirths with normal or complicated vaginal delivery.
• Weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Menopause – the pelvic floor muscles can weaken due to reduced oestrogen levels. 
• Chronic coughing, straining through constipation and heavy lifting.

What are the signs of a Bladder or Urethra Prolapse?

• Pelvic pain, lower back pain.
• Stress Incontinence.
• Difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete voiding.
• Frequent bladder infections.
• Painful sexual intercourse.

What can be done?

• Do Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area and prevent further worsening of the prolapse (and further prolapses).
• Wear a vaginal pessary.
• Keep your weight in check, if you carry excess weight this will put pressure on your pelvic floor and could result in further prolapse.
• Constipation will make you weaken your pelvic floor due to straining - use a Go Better stool for correct toilet posture.
• Low impact exercise is a must - no high impact as this will make your prolapse worse. Stick to prolapse friendly workouts.
• Learn new stratergies for lifting and avoid heavy lifting.
• Correct your posture, no butt-tucking! Walk tall, BBC - bum to the back of the chair.
• Use a Kegel8 Ultra 20 Pelvic Toner - this features a programme especially for prolapse, and can help to reduce symptoms and improve your prolapse (depending on severity).