A cystocele is basically a hernia-like condition in women that happens when the wall connecting the bladder and the vagina gets weakened. It is the anterior vaginal wall that supports and holds the bladder. When this gets affected the uterine bladder slumps or sags into the vagina. This kind of prolapse is known as a cystocele.
What are the symptoms of cystocele ?
A cystocele greatly affects function of the bladder. These include :
- Abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty in Urinating
- Urine leakage or Urinary Incontinence
- Incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder
- Overactive or hyper bladder symptoms like urine leak whilst coughing, sneezing, laughing hard, or even exercising.
What are the grades of cystoceles ?
- Grade 1 : This is the mild type- Bladder droops only a little bit into the vagina.
- Grade 2 : This is the more severe type- Bladder has dropped further into the vagina adequately to reach the vaginal opening.
- Grade 3 : This is the most advanced type- Bladder completely bulges out through the vaginal opening.
What are the causes of cystocele ?
- Pregnancy and laborious child births are huge contributing factors of damage to the pelvic floor, especially if labour was intensive and prolonged, or if the baby was large. The probability of prolapse is related to the number of childbirths as well. After childbirth, it is advisable to perform pelvic floor exercises to prevent prolapses.
- The older you get, the more chances of prolapse, especially after menopause.
- Obesity also weakens the pelvic floor.
- Chronic constipation, unrelenting coughing or long-standing heavy lifting can strain the pelvic floor.
- After hysterectomy, the vaginal support can be compromised, causing a vault prolapse.
- Sometimes, some people develop prolapse more than others.
How is cystocele diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- A prolapse is easily diagnosed with a vaginal examination. Your gynaecologist will put a speculum (that is a plastic or metal instrument, to split the vaginal walls and see cervix and vagina) to note which organ or organs are prolapsing. The extruded part of the bladder will be seen on pelvic examination (Grade II & Grade III).
- A pelvic ultrasonography may also have to be performed to study the pelvis.
- A cystourethrogram is a test that involves taking x-ray radiographs of the bladder during urination. This shows the bladder shape and any obstructions or problems that might block the normal urinary flow.
What is the treatment for cystocele ?
The treatment recommendations are decided based on the severity of your condition. Mild prolapse will cause no symptoms and treatment usually is not always necessary, especially if there are no worrisome symptoms. The treatment options for cystocele include :
- A pessary : In non-surgical or medical treatment, a pessary (a removable device placed in vagina to support the bladder) may have to be used.
- Surgery : To correct the position of the organs and hold them in that place is an additional way to correct prolapse. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will educate you on risks and benefits.
- Estrogen replacement therapy (especially in menopause) : Strengthens the muscles around the vagina and the bladder.
What is the care to be taken after the treatment of cystocele ?
Prolapse can be reduced with various lifestyle interventions interventions including stopping smoking, weight loss, exercise and preventing constipation, as well as totally avoiding activities like heavy lifting that worsen prolapse.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of cystocele ?
Now you can find gynecologists for the treatment of cystocele from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost for the treatment of cystocele from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for the treatment of cystocele .
Find and choose a gynecologist for the treatment of cystocele on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
