How Can I Stop My Cystocele From Getting Worse? 4 Treatments

The first and most important step to prevent a cystocele from worsening is to change one's lifestyle.

The first and most important step to prevent a cystocele from worsening is to change one's lifestyle. Additionally, a variety of lifestyle medications may be employed.

• Losing weight if the patient is overweight or obese because excess pounds place additional strain on the pelvic supports of the uterus and the urinary bladder, especially when the patient is upright.
• Treatment of allergies and chronic cough, which puts constant and additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
• Smoking cessation is a critical component of prevention.
• Constipation can be avoided by eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of clear fluids, and engaging in adequate physical activity.
• Behavior modification: Avoiding all activities that place a high strain on the pelvic floor, as well as certain activities that require heavy lifting or straining may help keep symptoms from worsening.

Mild cases of cystocele

Those who have few or no obvious symptoms are unlikely to require treatment. The doctor may advise the person to wait and see, with periodic visits to monitor their prolapse.

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What is a cystocele?

A network of muscles, ligaments, and tissues holds a woman's reproductive and pelvic organs in place. These support structures can deteriorate, causing the bladder, vagina, and even the rectum to sag and droop. These present with pain and symptoms that can interfere with daily life.

A cystocele occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vaginal cavity weakens and the bladder sags into the vaginal space.

12 typical symptoms of a cystocele

1. Pelvic pressure, which may worsen while standing, or lifting an object
2. A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvic area
3. A bulge in the vagina
4. Lower back pain
5. Unexpected bladder leaks during a cough or strenuous activities
6. Problems inserting tampons or applicators
7. Pelvic pain, discomfort, or a dragging sensation
8. Recurrent urine infection
9. Incomplete bladder emptying
10. Difficulty passing urine
11. Pain with intercourse
12. Urinary leakage during intercourse

7 causes and risk factors of cystocele

1. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
2. Being overweight or obese
3. Repeated heavy lifting
4. Straining with bowel movements
5. A chronic cough or bronchitis
6. Older age (especially true following menopause)
7. Some women are born with weaker connective tissue, which makes them more prone to anterior prolapse

How is a cystocele diagnosed?

When patients first complain about cystocele symptoms:

• A doctor will perform a pelvic exam on them while they are lying down or standing.
• Patients are usually asked to fill out a questionnaire so that the doctor can determine how much the symptoms are interfering with their daily lives.
• Urine is tested for bacteria and other infection-related indicators as well.

Finally, urologists may perform bladder tests to determine how well the bladder drains.

• Cystourethrogram (voiding cystogram): This is an X-ray of the bladder taken while the woman is urinating and with the bladder and urethra filled with contrast dye. It demonstrates the bladder's shape with any blockages.
• Urodynamics: This is a bladder function test. It indicates how much urine the bladder can hold before feeling the need to urinate. It demonstrates the source of the urine leak.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: Can be used to determine the extent of bladder prolapse.

Other tests may be required to determine whether there are any problems in other areas of the urinary system.

Cystocele may be graded for treatment purposes depending on the diagnosis.

1. Grade I or mild: The bladder only droops a short distance into the vagina.
2. Grade II or severe: The bladder has sunk far enough into the vagina to reach the opening.
3. Grade III or advanced: The bladder protrudes through the vaginal opening.

Usually, grade I cystocele does not necessitate treatment. However, it is important to consult with a gynecologist regularly to determine whether the condition is worsening.

Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor are recommended. Other types of treatment, such as estrogen therapy or a pessary device to keep the bladder in place, could be considered in more severe cases.

In extreme cases, surgery to return the bladder to its normal position may be an option.