| What is Cystocele? The pelvic organs, including the bladder, are normally supported by pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. When these muscles and ligaments are stretched, weakened or torn, the wall between the bladder and the vagina sags or herniates causing a prolapse, sometimes called a cystocele. This condition may cause discomfort and problems with emptying the bladder. It can be present in various stages. Some people are not aware of the changes. Others may notice changes at the vaginal opening or a feeling of the bladder dropping outside the body. Causes of a Cystocele A cystocele is usually caused by muscle straining or stretching during childbirth. In addition, cystocele is more common after menopause, because the hormone estrogen helps keep the elastic tissues around the pelvic organs strong. A cystocele is more likely to occur when levels of estrogen decrease. Other causes include: heavy lifting, chronic coughing, previous pelvic surgery and obesity. A bladder that has dropped from its normal position may cause: unwanted urine leakage (stress incontinence), frequent urination or urge to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder (not feeling bladder relief after emptying), pain or discomfort in the vagina, pelvis, groin, lower back or lower abdomen and frequent urinary tract infections. Mild cases may not cause any symptoms. • Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises: Strength training the muscles in your genital area
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