Cystocele

Excerpt

A cystocele, otherwise known as a protrusion of the bladder, occurs when the bladder descends into the vagina. The bladder bulges through the anterior wall of the vagina, with which it is anatomically associated. There are multiple underlying causes for the development of cystocele resulting in weakness of the muscles and the connective tissue surrounding the bladder and vagina.

Pelvic floor muscles and endopelvic fascia provide anatomical support of pelvic viscera in women. This pelvic support consists of three muscles: pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus, which form a complex called the levator ani muscle group. In addition, the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments provide additional support and stabilization. A prolapsed or herniated bladder can have a negative impact on the quality of life, affecting daily functioning and sexual activity. In some women, symptoms may be mild and require no treatment and, in some cases, prolapses regress following menopause. On the other end of the spectrum, there are cases with slow progression of the condition, where the bladder can eventually completely herniate beyond the hymen.