Cystocele

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A cystocele

is a condition that causes part of your bladder to fall into your vagina. Weakened or stretched pelvic muscles are no longer able to hold the bladder in place. Your bladder may begin to slip through your vaginal opening.

Common signs and symptoms:

• A soft bulge or lump in your vagina
• Low back pain that is relieved when you lie down
• Pelvic pain or pressure, especially when you urinate or have sex
• Pink or red urine
• Pressure in your abdomen, or you feel that you cannot completely empty your bladder
• Difficult, painful, or frequent urination, especially at night
• Urine leaks out when you cough, sneeze, or laugh

Seek care immediately if:

• You have bleeding from your vagina that is not your monthly period.
• You have a mass bulging out of your vagina that you cannot push back in.
• You have severe lower abdominal pain.
• You have a bad-smelling discharge coming from your vagina.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor or gynecologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have chills or feel weak and achy.
• You have lower abdominal pain or back pain that does not go away.
• You cannot urinate.
• You have questions about your condition or care.

Treatment

may include any of the following:

• Estrogen may help strengthen the pelvic muscles and keep your cystocele from getting worse. This may be taken as a pill, applied as a cream, or inserted into your vagina.
• A pessary or tampon can be placed inside the vagina to support the bulging tissues in your bladder and vagina. A pessary is a plastic or rubber ring and a tampon is a plug of cotton or other absorbent material.
• Surgery may be needed to lift your bladder back into place. Stitches or a mesh patch may be placed between your bladder and vagina to hold your bladder in place.

Manage or prevent a cystocele:

• Do Kegel exercises regularly. These exercises can help your pelvic floor muscles get stronger. Tighten the muscles of your pelvis (the muscles you use to stop urinating). Hold the muscles tight for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually work up to holding the muscles for 10 seconds. Do at least 3 sets of 10 repetitions a day.
• Do not strain. Do not lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time, or strain to have a bowel movement. Prevent constipation by drinking plenty of liquids and eating foods high in fiber. Ask how much liquid to drink every day and which liquids are best for you. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, soften bowel movements. This helps bowel movements pass more quickly through your colon. Slowly add fiber into your diet to avoid bloating, stomach pain, and gas.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed. Your provider can also help you create a physical activity program. Physical activity, such as exercise, helps your bowels work better and decreases pressure inside your colon.
• Keep a record. Record the number of times you urinate each day. Describe the color and amount of your urine. Bring the record to your follow-up visits.

Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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