A cystocele is a prolapse of the bladder due to a weakening of the muscles that support it, according to Pannochka, an online publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35.. net The disease occurs in women.

Cystocele is also called bladder prolapse..

A cystocele is caused by stretching of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.. It can occur after childbirth, with chronic constipation, severe prolonged coughing, or regular weight lifting..

Cystocele is more often a problem after menopause, when the level of estrogen in the female body, which is responsible for the condition of the pelvic floor muscles, drops sharply in the female body..

In mild cases of cystocele, conservative treatment, exercise, and observation are sufficient.. In more severe cases, surgery is required to keep the pelvic organs in the correct position..

Causes of cystocele.

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that hold the bladder and other organs in place.. With age, as well as as a result of injuries and excessive loads, these muscles weaken and stretch.. When this happens, the bladder moves down along with the anterior wall of the vagina moves down..

Possible causes of cystocele:.

• Pregnancy and childbirth.

• Obesity or overweight.

• Regular weight lifting.

• Straining with frequent constipation.

• Severe chronic cough.

Risk factors for cystocele:.

• Age over 45-50 years old.

• Vaginal delivery in the past.

• Postponed hysterectomy.

• Hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms of a cystocele.

In mild cases of cystocele, there may be no complaints..

But sometimes the disease manifests itself:.

• Feeling of tightness and heaviness in the pelvic area, especially after standing for a long time.

• Increasing discomfort when straining, coughing, bending over and lifting loads.

• In severe cases, there may be a feeling as if the patient is "

• Feeling of inadequate bladder emptying.

• Recurring bladder infections.

• Frequent urination and urinary incontinence.

• Pain during sex.

Diagnostics for cystocele.

The doctor makes a diagnosis on the basis of a gynecological examination, as well as questioning the patient. In the United States, it is common to offer to fill out a special questionnaire that helps the doctor assess how much the disease affects the quality of life, and, based on this, consider treatment options.. Other diagnostic methods include x-rays, urine tests for infection, etc..

Treatment of cystocele.

Treatment depends on how severe the disease is and any associated problems (eg, uterine prolapse). In mild cases, when there are no symptoms or they are mild, treatment may not be required at all.. It is enough to observe and perform special exercises (Kegel technique) to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.

If these measures are ineffective, American doctors recommend the following options:.

• Vaginal pessaries. These are plastic or rubber products that are inserted into the vagina and help support the bladder.. The doctor will select a product of the right size and teach you how to use it correctly.. Vaginal pessaries are recommended in the US for women who wish to delay surgery or for whom surgery is undesirable.

• Estrogen therapy. Your doctor may prescribe medications that contain the female sex hormone (estrogen), usually in the form of a vaginal cream or suppositories.. This treatment is suitable for women after menopause.. Estrogen helps maintain pelvic muscle tone.

If conservative treatment does not help, and the symptoms of a cystocele greatly affect a woman's quality of life, then surgical treatment may be required.. With this operation, the surgeon returns the lowered organs to their place and removes excess tissue, “stretching” the supporting muscles. If a cystocele is associated with a prolapsed uterus, the doctor may recommend removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).

If you are planning to become pregnant, you should postpone surgery. The use of vaginal pessaries helps relieve symptoms for a certain period of time..

The effect of surgical intervention for cystocele is not durable - the symptoms of the disease may return several years after the operation, which will require repeated intervention.

Prevention of cystocele.

To reduce your risk of getting sick, try the following:.

• Regular performance of Kegel exercises.

• Prevention and timely treatment of constipation.

• Avoid lifting heavy loads, especially without training..

• Weight control and obesity prevention.

• Treatment of diseases accompanied by severe cough.

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