Repair of Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele) or Urethra Prolapse (Urethrocele)

Two common forms of pelvic organ prolapse are bladder prolapse (Reference cystocele Opens New Window) and urethral prolapse (Reference urethrocele Opens New Window). A cystocele occurs when the wall of the bladder presses against and moves the wall of the vagina. A urethrocele occurs when the tissues surrounding the urethra sag downward into the vagina. Both conditions are easy for your doctor to see during a physical exam. They often occur at the same time and are usually caused by damage that happens when a baby is delivered through the mother's birth canal (vagina).

While many women have some degree of Reference bladder Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window and Reference urethral Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window prolapse, few ever have any symptoms. Or the symptoms do not appear for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include difficulty urinating, involuntary release of urine (Reference urinary incontinence Opens New Window), and pain during sexual intercourse. Surgery is not required unless your symptoms interfere with daily activities.

Unless another health problem is present that would require an abdominal incision, the bladder and urethra are usually repaired through an incision in the wall of the vagina. This surgery pulls together the loose or torn tissue in the area of prolapse in the bladder or urethra and strengthens the wall of the vagina. This prevents prolapse from recurring.

There are several types of surgery to correct stress urinary incontinence. These surgeries lift the urethra and/or bladder into their normal position. To learn more about these surgical procedures, see the topic Reference Urinary Incontinence in Women.

Opens New Window Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery? Opens New Window

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