Prolapsed Bladder
Signs of Prolapsed Bladder
Our bladder is a concave organ in the pelvis and its job is to store urine. The desire to urinate comes from pressure caused by the bladder fills. The urine travels from the bladder through the body and out through the urethra. In women, the front barrier of the vagina holds the bladder. Childbirth, age, menopause and other causes can sometimes damage that wall causing the bladder to ‘prolapse’, meaning it is no longer supported and drops into the vagina, causing problems such as the leaking of urine and discomfort.
Types of Prolapsed Bladders
Prolapsed bladders (medical term cystoceles), are divided into 4 categories, or Grades, depending on how far into the vagina the bladder has fallen. Grade 1 is classified as Mild, where only a small portion of the bladder drops. Grade 2 is called Moderate. The bladder has dropped enough to reach the vaginal opening. Grade 3 is termed to be Severe. In this case the bladder protrudes from the body through the vaginal opening. Finally, Stage 4 is called Complete. This means that the entire bladder is protruding completely outside of the body through the vagina.
Your doctor may do several exams and tests to determine the severity of your Prolapsed bladder, and to decide on which type of treatment is right for you A pelvic exam will be given first. X rays will be taken to help the doctor determine the shape of the bladder and cause of the problems. He may also test the nerve muscles and the intensity of the urine stream to determine a treatment plan. He might also decide to perform a cystoscopy (a test that allows him to look into the bladder by using a scope). There is no risk associated with this test and the pain is moderate and tolerable.
Prolapsed Bladder Treatment
Treatment of a Prolapsed bladder will depend on the Grade . Grade 1 will require that you do no heavy lifting or straining for a period of time. Kegel exercises may be recommended. Grade 2 treatments may consist of the insertion of a device called a pessaryinto the vagina to hold the bladder in place.. If surgery is required it is performed through the vagina. The affected bladder is usually restored with a cut in the vaginal wall, the prolapsed area is closed, and the vaginal wall is thereby strengthened. Recovery can be up to 6 weeks.