A bladder prolapse, also called cystocele, is a condition in which the bladder of a woman bulges into her vagina. This, the Mayo Clinic reports, is caused because the tissue that supports the separation of the vagina and the bladder stretches and weakens. This may occur because of such things as giving birth, frequent constipation, lifting heavy objects or coughing violently. A decrease in levels of the hormone estrogen following menopause also may cause the condition.
Sexual Symptoms
A bladder prolapse may manifest itself as symptoms that takes place during sexual intercourse. The woman may, for example, experience pain during sex. She also may have a leakage of urine during intercourse, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Infections
Infections in the bladder may also signal a bladder prolapse. While urinary tract infections also occur for other reasons, if a woman has bladder infections often, it may be a symptom of this condition.
Incontinence
A particular form of incontinence called stress incontinence may occur as a symptom of a bladder prolapse. Unlike typical incontinence, this form occurs when certain bodily functions take place. The most common actions that can trigger this type of incontinence include sneezing, laughing and coughing. The Mayo Clinic states that for severe cystocele, total loss of bladder function may occur.
Pressure Sensations
The woman suffering from cystocele may have a sensation of pressure in her vagina and pelvic area because of the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. This also may feel like the bladder is full, even if it is not. She may feel these sensations primarily if she is on her feet for a long time. This can be compounded by another symptom of a bladder prolapse, which is a sensation that the bladder has not been emptied, even immediately following urination. Another form of this symptom is an increase in the woman's discomfort when she lifts something heavy, coughs or strains herself.
Bulge
The Mayo Clinic reports that the woman's bladder can extend so far into her vagina that a tissue bulge may appear. Specifically, if the condition is severe, this bulge may actually extend slightly out of her vaginal opening. The sensation may lessen or disappear when she lies down.
