Normally, controlling the bladder that stores urine is a personal matter, but in some cases, a person cannot control the muscles in this area, which can lead to urinary leakage.

Urinary leakage, especially common in women with bladder prolapse, causes significant loss of self-confidence and turns the essential need to urinate into a difficult process. In our society, cystocele, or bladder prolapse, is considered by many women as a fate.

What is a cystocele?

A cystocele occurs when the muscles and membranes related to the lower abdominal wall weaken, causing the bladder to shift toward the vagina, known as bladder prolapse.

This condition, which develops due to decreased function of the supportive tissue between the bladder and vaginal wall in women, causes discomfort, urinary leakage, or incomplete emptying of the bladder. All these symptoms seriously affect women's quality of life and bring along some psychological issues.

What causes bladder prolapse?

This condition occurs due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, and several determining factors contribute to its onset.

Primarily, aging or decreased estrogen levels after menopause cause weakening and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

Additionally;

• Chronic constipation
• Chronic lung diseases causing severe coughing
• Obesity
• Having had a difficult vaginal delivery
• Giving birth to a baby with above-average weight
• Vaginal deliveries assisted with medical instruments
• Working in heavy physical labor
• Congenital weakness of connective tissues
• Weakening of the pelvic floor due to uterine surgery
• Engaging in intense physical maneuvers requiring significant bodily strength, leading to muscle weakening

What are the symptoms of bladder prolapse?

If the prolapse is mild, it may not show many symptoms, but as the condition progresses, symptoms start to appear. These include:

• Visible swelling in vaginal tissues
• Swelling and pressure sensation in the pelvic area
• A feeling of fullness in the vagina
• Muscle tension
• Increased pelvic pressure during coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Continued urge to urinate even after voiding
• Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination

How is bladder prolapse treated?

The treatment varies depending on the type of urinary incontinence and can include medication or surgery. The most common surgery is the TOT (Transobturator Tape) sling procedure. For mild prolapse, Kegel exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles.