Bladder Prolapse Specialist in Arcadia, CA

Urine is stored in the bladder, which is located in the pelvis. The urge to urinate is triggered by the pressure created by the bladder filling up with urine. Through the urethra, urine travels from the bladder out of the body during urination. As women age, the vaginal wall that supports the bladder weakens or loosens. This part of the vaginal wall can also be damaged by significant bodily stress, such as childbirth. As it deteriorates, the bladder can prolapse, which means that it no longer has support and descends into the vagina. The result could be urinary difficulties, discomfort, and stress incontinence (urine leakage as a result of sneezing, coughing, and physical exertion).

There are different grades of the prolapsed bladder based on how far the bladder falls into the vagina. The grades of a prolapsed bladder are categorized as mild, moderate, severe, and complete. During a moderate prolapsed bladder only a small portion of the bladder droops into the vagina. A complete grade occurs when the entire bladder protrudes outside the vagina; usually in conjunction with similar pelvic organ prolapses such as uterine prolapse, rectocele, and enterocele.

There are many potential causes and risk factors for a prolapsed bladder. Menopause is commonly associated with prolapsed bladders. Women’s bodies produce estrogen before menopause, which helps keep the muscles in and around the vagina strong. Following menopause, women’s bodies produce less estrogen, which weakens their muscles. In most cases, prolapsed bladders are caused by childbirth. Women’s vaginal tissues and muscles, which support the bladder, are stressed during delivery.

It is possible to damage the muscles of the pelvic floor by lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements, coughing continuously, or having long-term constipation. It is possible for your pelvic floor to become weak after removing your uterus, but this is not always the case. As some women are born with weaker connective tissues, they may be more prone to anterior prolapse due to genetics. A prolapsed bladder is more likely to occur in overweight or obese women.

Bladder prolapse may not cause any symptoms or signs in mild cases. Symptoms and signs vary depending on the grade of the prolapse.

There may be a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis or vagina. Occasionally, you may notice a bulge of tissue in your vagina. It is possible to experience increased pelvic pressure when you strain, cough, or lift. Urination problems may include difficulty starting a urine stream, feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bladder after urinating, feeling a frequent urge to urinate, or leaking urine (urinary incontinence).

Symptoms may appear after standing for a long period of time and may disappear once you lie down.

Women who notice symptoms of a prolapsed bladder should seek medical attention. The prolapse of a woman’s bladder is often accompanied by the prolapse of other organs within her pelvis. In order to evaluate and prevent problematic symptoms and complications caused by weakening vaginal tissue and muscle, timely medical care is recommended. The majority of prolapsed organs do not heal themselves, and most worsen over time. A prolapsed bladder can be corrected with a variety of treatments.

Prolapsed bladders are diagnosed through an examination of the female genitalia and pelvis, known as a pelvic exam. Diagnosis is confirmed by a bladder that has entered the vagina. It may be necessary for the doctor to use a voiding cystourethrogram to diagnose cases that are less obvious. To rule out other potential causes of discomfort or urinary difficulty, the doctor may also perform tests or take X-rays of different parts of the abdomen.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may test the nerves, muscles, and urine stream intensity to determine the type of treatment. Prolapsed bladders can be diagnosed and treated at the OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center. For more information, call us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA and surrounding areas.