Bladder prolapse (Latin descensus vesicae) is a common disease of the lower urinary tract. Doctors speak of a descensus vesicae or cystocele when the bladder shifts downwards towards the pelvic floor. The lowering of the bladder is a consequence of a lowering of the vagina, as the bladder lies in front of the vagina.
Below you will find further information on bladder prolapse and selected cystocele specialists.
Bladder dysfunction is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract. One in four women in Germany is or has been affected.
Bladder prolapse (cystocele) is divided into three degrees of severity. While there are only minor or no symptoms in grade I, severe symptoms and secondary diseases can occur in grade III. Urination may be impaired so that the bladder is never completely emptied. This is a consequence of the prolapse, which can lead to the urethra becoming blocked. Incontinence also occurs frequently.
In any case, clarification by a
is recommended, as bladder prolapse can be treated effectively.
The pelvic floor has the task of supporting the bladder and other organs and keeping them in their intended position. The pelvic floor consists of muscle and connective tissue and closes off the pelvic cavity at the bottom.
In women, in addition to the bladder and rectum, there are also
and the prostate in men.
The pelvic floor is stretched during pregnancy and childbirth and is therefore exposed to massive strain. If support structures are damaged during childbirth or there is a rapid succession of pregnancies, the pelvic floor does not have enough time to recover. If the pelvic floor relaxes, the bladder descends.
In many cases, this also leads to a prolapse of the uterus and a lowering of the rectum.
Even minor injuries during childbirth impair the function of the pelvic floor. This is why women are affected much more frequently than men.
In addition to childbirth, there is also a congenital weakness of the connective tissue. In such cases, the pelvic floor cannot fully fulfill its holding and supporting function. A prolapse of the bladder can then occur at a younger age.
Hormonal changes after the menopause are also a possible cause of bladder prolapse. Furthermore
also play a role in the development of bladder prolapse.
With a prolapsed bladder (cystocele), the bladder shifts downwards © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
In the early stages, bladder prolapse is often asymptomatic. It is sometimes discovered as an incidental finding during a gynecological examination.
Symptoms that indicate bladder prolapse are
In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor first needs a detailed medical history. He asks his patient in detail
The urination pattern provides information about the daily amount of urine and the frequency of urination. An important question also concerns nocturnal urination (nocturia).
This detailed discussion is followed by a gynecological examination. Uroflowmetry provides information about the function of the bladder. The flow of urine is measured to determine whether there is a bladder emptying disorder. The doctor then assesses
with ultrasound. This allows him to determine whether the bladder has emptied completely. In some cases, a cystoscopy is necessary to examine the inside of the organ in detail.
The treatment depends on the severity and, above all, the cause of the condition.
Targeted pelvic floor exercises may be sufficient, especially in the case of
The muscles of the pelvic floor are strengthened under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Long-term regular training can stabilize bladder prolapse and prevent urinary incontinence. To support muscle training, the doctor sometimes recommends therapy with stimulation current.
If hormonal changes during the menopause are the cause, the doctor will prescribe a hormone cream or vaginal suppositories containing oestrogen. Although a plastic pessary keeps the bladder in place, it is not suitable as a permanent solution.
If the bladder has already prolapsed very far, only an operation can help. This can be performed minimally invasively from the vagina (vaginal) or from the abdomen.
If the body's own tissue is not sufficient for surgical correction, a mesh can be used. However, the use of plastic mesh is controversial. For this reason, tendon tissue from the thigh has been used instead for some time.
The best prevention against a cystocele is
This delays or can even prevent bladder prolapse.
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