What is a cystocele?

A type of hernia: A cystocele occurs when the wall between a woman's bladder and her vagina weakens and allows the bladder to droop into the vagina. This condition may cause discomfort and problems with emptying the bladder. It is possible to have surgery to help correct this.

Dropped Bladder: A cystocele is one category of pelvic organ prolapse. Childbirth, obesity & smoking are risk factors but it can happen to anyone. As we age our connective tissue weakens and various body parts begin to dropp and sag. A cystocele is when the tissue holding up the bladder weakens allowing the bladder to dip into the vagina. Some will notice a bulge or increased pressure feeling requiring surgery.

Dropped bladder: Women can devleop "hernias" in which the support layers & ligaments in the pelvis give way and 1 or more organs 'fall" or bulge into the vagina or even outside of the vaginal opening. Cystocele refers to lack of support under the bladder. Rectocele is lack of support allowing the rectum to bulge. Pelvic organ prolapse is a general term for any pelvic bulge or hernia.

Bulging of bladder: Prilapse or bulging of the urinary bladder into the vagina.

Cystocele: A cystocele is a type of hernia in which there is a weakness to the tissue support of the bladder. Further resources: www.voicesforpfd.org