Cystocele Treatment
cystoceleIt is the sagging of the bladder, that is, the urinary bladder, towards the front wall of the vagina. in publicbladder prolapseor bladder prolapseAlso known as. Cystocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse that develops as a result of the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues.
“ Cystocele is not just a feeling of sagging in the vagina; it is a pelvic floor problem that can affect urination habits, sexual life and daily comfort.”
Article Summary
Cystocele Treatment should be addressed by evaluating the person's complaints, examination findings and needs together. In this article, the basic points about Cystocele Treatment, the diagnosis-treatment process and things to consider are summarized.
What Will You Find in This Article?
- What Causes Cystocele?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What are the symptoms of cystocele?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What are the Degrees of Cystocele?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- How to Diagnose Cystocele?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
What Causes Cystocele?
The main reasons that can contribute to the development of cystocele are:
In the evaluation of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, the type of complaint, its impact on daily life, birth history and pelvic examination findings should be considered together [1][2].
- History of vaginal birth or difficult birth,
- Having given birth to many births,
- Decreased tissue support after aging and menopause,
- Chronic constipation and constant straining,
- chronic cough,
- Heavy lifting or heavy physical work
- Previous pelvic surgery or hysterectomy,
- Genetic predisposition to connective tissue weakness.
What are the symptoms of cystocele?
Symptoms of cystocele may include:
The treatment plan is not the same for every patient; Lifestyle adjustments, pelvic floor exercises, pessary, medication or surgical options are evaluated individually [1][3].
- Feeling of fullness, pressure or sagging in the vagina,
- Feeling of a mass or visible swelling coming out of the vagina,
- frequent urination,
- Frequent urination at night,
- Difficulty urinating or weakening of urine stream,
- Feeling that urine is not fully discharged,
- Urinary incontinence when coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting heavy objects,
- Recurrent urinary tract infections,
- Pain, burning or discomfort during sexual intercourse,
- Difficulty using tampons or vaginal products.
What are the degrees of cystocele?
Cystocele can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Grading is based on how far the bladder protrudes towards the vaginal wall. During the examination, the degree of prolapse can be evaluated by asking the patient to strain or cough.
If a surgical decision is to be made, the patient's expectations, degree of prolapse, sexual life, accompanying urinary incontinence and risk of recurrence should be discussed together [1][2].
- Mild Cystocele:The bladder becomes slightly curved towards the vagina. There may be no symptoms or a slight feeling of pressure.
- Moderate Cystocele:The bladder sags more clearly towards the entrance of the vagina. Urination and pressure complaints may be observed.
- Advanced Cystocele:Sagging may become evident from the entrance of the vagina to the outside. Daily life, urination and sexual life may be affected.
How is cystocele diagnosed?
The diagnosis of cystocele is often made by gynecological examination. During the examination, the anterior vaginal wall, bladder support, pelvic floor muscle strength and degree of prolapse are evaluated. The patient can be asked to cough or strain to examine whether the sagging has become apparent.
If there is an increase in complaints, bleeding, pain, or new onset of urinary problems during the follow-up period, re-evaluation is required [3].
If there are complaints such as urinary incontinence, inability to fully void urine, or frequent urinary tract infections, additional tests may be requested. These tests may include urinalysis, urine culture, ultrasound, post-void residual urine measurement, or urodynamics.
How is cystocele treated?
cystocele treatmentIt is planned according to the degree of sagging, the patient's age, complaints, sexual life, general health status and whether she wants a pregnancy in the future. Treatment does not always have to be surgery. In mild cystocele, monitoring, lifestyle adjustments and pelvic floor exercises may be sufficient.
The main methods used in the treatment of cystocele are:
- Follow-up:Regular check-ups may be sufficient for mild and asymptomatic cystocele.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises:Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:Weight control, preventing constipation, treating chronic cough, and avoiding heavy lifting are important.
- Vaginal Pessary:Support rings or devices placed in the vagina can mechanically support bladder prolapse.
- Vaginal Estrogen:Local estrogen therapy may be considered in some patients to support vaginal tissues in the post-menopausal period.
- Surgical Treatment:Surgical repair may be considered in cases of advanced cystocele or cystocele that significantly affects the quality of life.
Are Pelvic Floor Exercises Helpful in Cystocele?
In order for the exercises to be effective, it is important to exercise the correct muscles, do them regularly, and get support from a pelvic floor physiotherapist if necessary. Exercise alone may not be sufficient for advanced sagging; however, it can be a supportive part of the treatment plan.
What is Pessary Treatment?
pessaryIt is an apparatus made of silicone or similar material that is placed inside the vagina and used to support sagging pelvic organs.
Pessary treatment can be considered especially in patients who do not want to have surgery, who are not suitable for surgery, who are planning pregnancy or who want to postpone surgery. It is important to choose the appropriate size pessary, perform regular checks and comply with hygiene rules.
How is cystocele surgery performed?
During the surgery, the prolapsed bladder is supported to its original position, weakened tissues are repaired and the anterior vaginal wall is rearranged. In some patients, cystocele may be associated with other pelvic organ prolapses such as uterine prolapse or rectocele. In this case, the surgical plan may be more comprehensive.
“The aim of cystocele surgery is not only to correct the sagging tissue, but also to improve bladder function, vaginal support structure and the patient's quality of life.”
When is Cystocele Surgery Required?
Cystocele surgery is not the first option for mild sagging. Surgery is generally considered in advanced cases that impair the quality of life, make urination difficult, affect sexual life, or have a significant mass protruding outside the vagina.
Cystocele surgery may be considered in the following cases:
- Significant sagging out of the vagina,
- Significant difficulty in urinating,
- Persistence of the feeling that urine is not fully discharged,
- Recurrent urinary tract infections,
- The feeling of pelvic pressure and heaviness affects daily life,
- Insufficient benefit from non-surgical methods such as pessary or exercise,
- Significant pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse,
- Progression of prolapse or coexistence with other pelvic organ prolapses.
What Should Be Considered After Cystocele Surgery?
Things to consider after surgery:
- Medications and care recommendations given by the doctor should be applied regularly.
- Heavy lifting, straining and intense exercise should be avoided for the period recommended by the physician.
- Constipation should be prevented and plenty of fluids and fiber nutrition should be supported.
- The recovery period recommended by the physician should be waited for sexual intercourse.
- Environments that may pose a risk of infection, such as pools, Turkish baths, jacuzzis and bathtubs, should be avoided.
- Toilet cleaning should be done from front to back.
- Check-up appointments should not be missed.
If there is fever, foul-smelling discharge, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or groin pain, inability to urinate, or problems with the wound, consult a physician without delay.
Sexual Intercourse After Cystocele Surgery
Vaginal tissues must heal sufficiently to return to sexual intercourse after cystocele surgery. This period may vary depending on the scope of the surgery and the patient's recovery speed. In general, it may be recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks; However, the exact duration should be determined by the physician performing the surgery.
Things to consider when returning to sexual intercourse:
- Sexual intercourse should not be initiated without medical approval.
- During first intercourses, there may be tenderness, dryness or mild discomfort.
- If there is vaginal dryness, water-based lubricant can be used.
- If pain, bleeding or significant discomfort occurs, intercourse should be interrupted and a physician should be consulted.
- One must be patient; The healing process may vary from person to person.
Does cystocele recur?
There is a possibility of recurrence of prolapse after cystocele treatment. Risk of recurrence; It may be affected by factors such as connective tissue structure, age, menopausal status, weight, chronic constipation, chronic cough, heavy lifting and previous surgery.
To reduce the risk of recurrence, pelvic floor exercises, weight control, prevention of constipation, avoidance of heavy lifting and regular gynecological follow-up are important.
About Comments of Those Who Had Urinary Bladder Prolapse Surgery
Experiences of people who had urinary bladder prolapse surgery; It may vary depending on the degree of prolapse, the extent of the surgery, the accompanying urinary incontinence problem, the healing process and personal expectations. Some patients may experience significant relief from complaints of pressure, difficulty urinating, or urinary incontinence after surgery. In some patients, recovery may take longer or additional treatment may be required.
Patient comments may provide insight; However, the treatment decision should be made through personal examination and physician evaluation. The goal of cystocele treatment is to reduce the person's complaints, strengthen the bladder and vaginal support structure, and improve the quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
In mild cystocele, symptoms may decrease with lifestyle adjustments and pelvic floor exercises. However, significant anatomical sagging usually does not disappear completely on its own. Follow-up and treatment plans are made according to the degree of sagging.
Yes. Cystocele may cause urinary incontinence in some patients when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. In some patients, difficulty urinating and the feeling of not being able to void completely are more evident.
In mild and moderate cystocele, non-surgical methods such as pelvic floor exercises, weight control, prevention of constipation, vaginal pessary and local estrogen in some patients can be evaluated.
In most patients, it may be necessary to wait approximately 6-8 weeks for the vaginal tissues to heal. However, the exact duration should be determined according to the scope of the surgery and the physician's control.
Pessary is a non-surgical method that supports sagging. It can be used for a long time in some patients; However, regular control, appropriate size selection and hygiene are important. It does not provide permanent anatomical repair.
Yes, it may recur in some patients. Chronic constipation, heavy lifting, obesity, chronic cough and connective tissue weakness can increase the risk of recurrence. Therefore, lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring are important.
Cystocele Treatment Prices 2026
Cystocele treatment prices; It may vary depending on the degree of prolapse, whether the treatment is planned in the form of exercise, pessary or surgical repair, the scope of the surgery, the type of anesthesia, hospital conditions and whether there is accompanying urinary incontinence or other pelvic organ prolapse.
The most accurate information about current cystocele treatment prices in 2026 can be given after examination and personal evaluation. Because each patient's degree of sagging, complaints and treatment needs are different.