What is a Urethrocele? A urethrocele, or prolapse of the urethra, is a protrusion of the urethra into your vagina. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethroceles often do not have any symptoms. However, when present, common symptoms include: · Urinary incontinence · Increased urinary frequency · Difficulty emptying the bladder · Painful intercourse Normal female anatomy - no prolapse What Causes a Urethrocele? If your vaginal wall and pelvic floor weaken, your urethra loses its support and can widen and bulge into your vagina. Childbirth often causes urethroceles. As the baby moves through the birth canal, tissue damage can occur, sometimes resulting in a urethrocele. It is common for the urethra to prolapse with the bladder. This is called a cystourethrocele. Urethrocele How is a Urethrocele Treated? The treatment of a urethrocele depends on the severity of it. If your urethrocele is mild, pelvic floor strengthening and avoidance of heavy straining can help. More severe urethoceles may require the use of a pessary. A pessary is a device of various shapes and sizes that is placed in the vagina to support the urethra to keep it in place. More severe urethroceles may require surgery to correct the position of the urethra.
Back to Pelvic Organ Prolapse |