For women with bladder prolapse, everyday life can become a struggle. At Mohamed & Associates Urology Center, we strive to help women suffering with bladder prolapse find relief from their symptoms, so they can enjoy their lives. We offer high-quality, compassionate care at our conveniently located urology center in Smithfield, NC.

Bladder prolapse, also called cystocele, occurs when the tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor weaken and are no longer able to support the bladder in its natural position within the body. Bladder prolapse is relatively common in women, and its symptoms can be treated by an experienced physician. In severe cases, the bladder can drop through the vaginal opening. It is important to seek treatment for bladder prolapse from an experienced specialist to prevent further worsening of symptoms.

The most common cause of bladder prolapse is giving birth. Women who deliver vaginally, have been pregnant more than once, or who had difficult births are at the highest risk. Other contributing factors can include pelvic surgery, natural aging and menopause, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, obesity, as well as constipation or frequent straining during bowel movements. All of these things can weaken the “hammock” of tissue that holds the bladder in its natural position in the pelvis.

There are many signs a woman can look for to determine whether they should talk to a doctor about bladder prolapse. The most obvious and common sign is vaginal bulge. This bulge in the vagina can be felt, but is sometimes visible as well. Additional symptoms include pain in the pelvic area, an increase in the frequency of urinary tract infections, incontinence, frequent urge to urinate, lack of relief following urination, painful intercourse, and visible tissue protruding from the vagina. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is best to schedule a pelvic exam to determine whether bladder prolapse is the cause. In some cases, your doctor may recommend x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, urodynamics, or cystoscopy to determine the extent of the prolapse.

For some women, bladder prolapse is not severe and may not require any treatment. If you have bladder prolapse, but it does not cause discomfort or block the flow of your urine, you may choose to simply monitor your condition with regular screenings. Pelvic floor exercises or a vaginal support device may provide relief for women with minor bladder prolapse. For women whose prolapse is an effect of menopause, estrogen replacement therapy may help. For women with severe cases of bladder prolapse, surgical intervention may be necessary in order to repair the pelvic tissue and provide symptom relieve. When left untreated, bladder prolapse can worsen over time. Severe cases that are not addressed by a doctor may result in kidney damage as it causes urinary retention or kidney obstruction.

At Mohamed & Associates Urology Center, we are committed to providing our patients with access to effective treatment options that can have a positive impact on their daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of bladder prolapse and would like to discuss your treatment options with an experienced doctor, call us today to schedule your appointment. We will provide you with important information and insight into bladder prolapse and help you decide which treatments are right for you.