Cystocele

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A cystocele (SIS-to-sel) is a condition where a part of the bladder bulges out or protrudes into the vagina. It is commonly caused by weak muscles and ligaments (bands of tissue) that hold and support the bladder. This may be due to aging, previous surgery, too much straining, pregnancy, or vaginal trauma during childbirth. There are usually no signs and symptoms with a mild cystocele. In some cases, you may feel a soft bulge in your vagina that may or may not come out through the vaginal opening. You may also have difficulty passing urine, vaginal pain or bleeding, or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen.
  
  
• A bimanual exam may be able to determine if you have a cystocele. You may also need other tests, such as pelvic floor fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. Treatment may include a high fiber diet and estrogen therapy. A pessary (ring-like device) or tampon (cotton plug) placed inside your vagina may help support your bladder. You may also need surgery to repair the weak or thin muscles around your vagina and bladder. With treatment, such as medicine, a pessary, or surgery, your symptoms may be relieved and your quality of life may be improved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Manage your stress:

Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Prevention:

• Avoid too much pressure in your abdomen (stomach): Do not strain if you are constipated. Lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods of time can also increase pressure in your abdomen.
  
  
• Do Kegel exercises regularly: This exercise squeezes your pelvic floor muscles and helps them become stronger. Ask your caregiver for more information about Kegel exercises.
  
  
• Drink 8 to 10 (eight ounce) cups of water each day: Good liquids to drink are water, prune juice, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, such as coffee, tea, soda, and sports drinks.
  
  
• Eat more fiber: High fiber foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help prevent constipation and soften stools. This helps stools pass more quickly through your colon. . Be sure to slowly add fiber into your diet to avoid bloating, stomach pain, and gas.
  
  
• Maintain a healthy weight: Talk to your caregiver about your ideal weight and to help you plan the best exercise program for you. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes everyday.
  
  
• Treat your long-standing cough: If you have a chronic cough, have it treated. If you smoke, try to quit as many smokers develop a chronic cough later on. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to quit smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Voiding diary:

Record in a diary the number of times you pass urine each day. You may also describe the color and amount of your urine. Bring the diary with you when you see your caregiver.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have chills or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have lower abdominal (stomach) pain or back pain that does not go away.
  
  
• You have problems passing urine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have abnormal bleeding from your vagina.
  
  
• You have a mass hanging or coming out of your vagina that you cannot push back in.
  
  
• You have a very bad pain in your abdomen or vagina that does not go away.
  
  
• You have a bad smelling discharge coming from your vagina.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cystocele (Aftercare Instructions)