Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)

Overview

Under normal conditions in women, the bladder is held in place by a "hammock" of supportive pelvic floor muscles and tissue. When these tissues are stretched and/or become weak, the bladder can drop and bulge through this layer and into the vagina. This results in bladder prolapse, also called cystocele. In severe cases, the prolapsed bladder can appear at the opening of the vagina. Sometimes it can even protrude (drop) through the vaginal opening. Bladder prolapse is common in women. The symptoms of bladder prolapse can be bothersome but it can be treated.

The most common symptom is the feeling of a vaginal bulge. A bulge in the vagina is something you can see or feel.

In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• How is Bladder Prolapse Treated?
• Explore Further