Falling Season: Prolapsed Bladder

As a woman goes through certain stages of her life, her chances of suffering from a prolapsed bladder greatly increase. This occurs when the bladder is no longer supported by the pelvic floor muscles. A number of factors can affect the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, including pregnancy and childbirth, certain medical conditions, or even following procedures such as a hysterectomy. Women past the age of menopause are the most commonly at risk, however, as those muscles generally weaken with age; and the reduction in estrogen also increases the probability that the strength of the supportive tissues in the vagina will weaken.

Unfortunately, cases of pelvic floor dysfunction that cause this type of prolapse are extremely common and can greatly impact everyday life. Therefore, measures should be taken to properly address the issue of a fallen bladder so that the condition is treated effectively. A urogynecologist or other specialist will need to be consulted to perform a female pelvic exam and evaluate the specific prolapsed bladder symptoms in order to make a proper diagnosis and determine the possibilities for the best prolapsed bladder treatment. Some cases of prolapsed bladder in women may require measures such as prolapsed bladder surgery to relieve the problem, while other instances will be solved much more simply. At Coyle Institute, we have many years of experience in treating patients who suffer from a prolapsed bladder; and we offer that expertise to provide the best possible solutions for our clients.

Falling Stages

A prolapsed bladder, which is also called a cystocele, actually occurs in four grades of severity, depending on how far the bladder has fallen into the vagina.

Grade 1: This is the mildest grade and refers to cases where only a small portion of the bladder has fallen into the vagina.
Grade 2: A moderate grade of the condition, where the bladder has fallen enough to reach the vaginal opening.
Grade 3: A severe grade in which the bladder actually has begun to protrude through the opening of the vagina.
Grade 4: The worst and most complete grade, a degree of severity at which the bladder is fully protruding and is actually outside of the vagina. This grade is most commonly associated with other types of pelvic organ prolapse including rectocele, enterocele, or uterine prolapse.

The Pick-Up

Some of the most common treatment options include lifestyle changes such as weight loss or the performance of pelvic floor dysfunction exercises like Kegels exercise. Other cases may require the implantation of mechanical devices or medications including hormone therapies, while more severe instances may necessitate surgical intervention.

Don’t let your chances at a happier, more vibrant life fall! Get the support and care you need from the experts at Coyle Institute today!