Copyright Sue Croft author of Pelvic Floor Essentials(2015), Pelvic Floor Recovery: Physiotherapy for Gynaecological Repair Surgery (2015)
Cystocele
A cystocele occurs when the bladder droops down into the vagina. Depending on the grade of prolapse this can be from a grade one where the bladder bulges into the vaginal wall to the most severe where the bulge appears through the entrance of the vagina. A cystocele affects other organs such as the urethra as it is attached to the bladder.
As the bladder droops so the urethra is displaced and may cause issues for emptying the bladder effectively.
You may find yourself needing to pass urine frequently or urgently (of both). Involuntary urinary leakage which may also be included during sexual activity is a typical symptom of a cystocele. In the advanced stages of pelvic organ prolapse you may have difficulty urinating and incomplete bladder emptying.
Treatment
Always consult your physician if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
There are various treatments available which your physician may suggest. Never be afraid to ask questions.
Your physician may refer you to a gynaecologist, urologist or urogynaecologist, who are experts and specialise in these symptoms.
Avoid heavy lifting or straining that could cause the cystocele to worsen.
Depending on the grade of cystocele he may a pessary (you must be measured correctly for this), this is a medical device placed in the vagina to hold the bladder in place. Pessaries are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Pessaries can be left in the body for a number of weeks which your doctor will advise on, to avoid infections or ulcers remove the pessary and clean on a regular basis.
IncoStress can support a cystocele in some cases where it is not severe. Ask your doctor or women's health physiotherapist for more information
A full range of pessaries are available from our shop under gynaecology. It is recommended that medical grade silicone pessaries are used.
As the bladder droops so the urethra is displaced and may cause issues for emptying the bladder effectively.
You may find yourself needing to pass urine frequently or urgently (of both). Involuntary urinary leakage which may also be included during sexual activity is a typical symptom of a cystocele. In the advanced stages of pelvic organ prolapse you may have difficulty urinating and incomplete bladder emptying.
Treatment
Always consult your physician if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
There are various treatments available which your physician may suggest. Never be afraid to ask questions.
Your physician may refer you to a gynaecologist, urologist or urogynaecologist, who are experts and specialise in these symptoms.
Avoid heavy lifting or straining that could cause the cystocele to worsen.
Depending on the grade of cystocele he may a pessary (you must be measured correctly for this), this is a medical device placed in the vagina to hold the bladder in place. Pessaries are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Pessaries can be left in the body for a number of weeks which your doctor will advise on, to avoid infections or ulcers remove the pessary and clean on a regular basis.
IncoStress can support a cystocele in some cases where it is not severe. Ask your doctor or women's health physiotherapist for more information
A full range of pessaries are available from our shop under gynaecology. It is recommended that medical grade silicone pessaries are used.