How did I get a “dropped bladder”?
Your doctor may have told you that you have “a dropped bladder” and this could be the reason for leakage of urine, going to the bathroom frequently or feeling a bulge or pressure in the vagina. What is a “dropped bladder”? How do women get his condition? , and how is treated?
“A dropped bladder” , “cystocele” and “bladder prolapse” are all terms used to describe the weakness of the support structures separating the bladder from the vagina leading to the sagging of the bladder into the vagina which causes a feeling of a bulge or fullness in the vagina and sometimes a protrusion felt coming outside of the vaginal opening. Other associated symptoms may include frequent urination, urinary leakage and difficulty emptying the bladder.
The most common cause of a “dropped bladder” is injury to the pelvic floor support structures during a vaginal delivery especially with delivering large babies, tears during the delivery or the usage of forceps or suction device during the delivery. Other causes may include hereditary weakness in pelvic support structures, chronic constipation and chronic heavy weight lifting.
Here are some facts on female “dropped bladder”:
- 50% of women who had children will develop Vaginal Prolapse
- 11% of US women will require surgery for Vaginal Prolapse
- 15-20 million people in the US have bladder control problems, and it is twice as common in women than men
- 10-60% of women report urinary incontinence
- 30-50% of women never seek treatment
- 80-90% of cases can be treated successfully
- Billions of dollars spent annually on incontinence products.
“Dropped bladder” is not a natural part of the aging process and is a treatable condition. The best type of physicans to treat this condition are Urogynecology specialists who specialize in female bladder disorders. An Urogynecologist will offer you the appropriate bladder testing, surgical or non-surgical treatment options depending on your case.
Written By:
AZ Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Center – Dr. Mohamed Akl
6632 E. Baseline RD., Suite 101
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Office: 480-889-2654
Fax: 480-699-1022
Email: AZUROGYNECOLOGY@gmail.com
Website: https://azurogyn.com
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm