I have been diagnosed with a cystocele during menopause: what is it, why does it occur and how can it be improved?
Pelvic floor dysfunctions become one of the main reasons for gynecological consultations in Spain once menopause has arrived. Middle-aged women begin to experience the consequences of the absence of menstruation and seek out professionals for solutions to problems that significantly impact their lives, according to studies. Pelvic weakness, vaginal dryness, atrophy and urine loss, and even prolapses, become the main complaints after the age of 50. On this occasion, we are going to discuss one of the most severe conditions that a woman can experience after menopause: cystocele .
What is a cystocele?
A cystocele, also known as anterior vaginal prolapse or bladder prolapse , is a medical condition that occurs when the bladder falls out of position and pushes the vagina outward , according to the Mayo Clinic.
The most common symptoms , which are also reported on the medical portal, are a feeling of heaviness or pelvic pressure, which is more severe if you cough or bend over. However, it is also possible to notice and see a lump in the vaginal tissue or have difficulty urinating, such as incomplete bladder emptying, urine loss or having an intermittent stream of urine.
Why does bladder prolapse occur?
Keeping abdominal and pelvic organs such as the intestines, bladder and uterus in place depends largely on the muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues , which together are called the pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor weakens , the support begins to loosen, causing the organs to fall under their own weight and thus exerting pressure on the intimate area of women.
Although the passage of time is one of the causes of this weakening, the pelvic muscles can also lose their muscle tone due to trauma or prolonged exertion . One of the clearest examples would be vaginal birth, but also obesity, straining during defecation (especially in women with constipation) or chronic cough.
According to the National Institutes of Health in the United States, professionals classify a cystocele into grades depending on the level of involvement.
- Grade 1: This is the mildest form and does not require surgical intervention.
- Grade 2: The problem tends to be more moderate, as the descent already reaches the vaginal opening.
- Grade 3: This is a serious situation, as the bladder and/or vaginal wall protrude from the body.
Depending on the degree of cystocele the woman has, it can be treated in different ways. In the most severe cases and whenever health conditions or personal preferences allow it, professionals recommend undergoing surgical treatment.
However, in cases where the problem is asymptomatic or very mild , it is better for women not to undergo surgery, which, as with any other operation, can have other complications, such as poor healing. Therefore, physiotherapy treatments could be the solution (and also prevention).
The well-known Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor , so having optimal muscle tone will keep the organs well supported. There are also women who prefer to use a vaginal pessary to support the walls of the cavity and prevent the bladder from falling. Therapeutic pilates exercises focused on the pelvic floor, such as hypopressives or gluteal bridges, also contribute to maintaining a wider area strengthened.
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