Childbirth, heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements or menopause can cause certain women to develop a condition called fallen bladder or cystocele, explains Rush University Medical Center. These events can cause the muscular bladder wall to abnormally protrude or fall into the vagina. Women who develop any of the symptoms of a fallen bladder should seek medical care.
Vaginal Fullness or Pressure
A woman with a fallen bladder can develop an unusual sensation of fullness or pressure within her vagina, explains the Better Health Channel. These symptoms occur when the bladder falls into the vagina and pushes up against the vaginal wall. If a woman develops a grade three or advanced fallen bladder, the bladder can bulge out of the opening of the vagina, reports the Cleveland Clinic. A woman with symptoms of vaginal fullness or pressure should discuss it with a doctor as these fallen bladder signs can also be indicative of other medical conditions.
Difficulty Urinating
When the bladder falls into the vagina, a woman can experience urinary difficulties as a symptom of this condition. Affected women may be unable to start or maintain a normal stream of urine. Fully emptying the bladder of urine can also be difficult for women with this condition, explains the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that urine that abnormally remains within the bladder may increase a woman's risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Women who develop any urinary difficulties should seek further care from a doctor to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
Urinary Incontinence
A woman with a fallen bladder can experience difficulty voluntarily retaining urine within her bladder. As a result, women with this condition can accidentally leak urine if pressure is placed on the bladder due to laughing, sneezing or coughing, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Urine leakage, which is also called urinary or stress incontinence, can be embarrassing and may worsen unless the woman receives treatment for the fallen bladder. Women who experience urinary incontinence symptoms should speak with a doctor for guidance on how to manage these fallen bladder symptoms.
References
- Rush University Medical Center: Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
- Better Health Channel: Cystocele
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection - Risk Factors
- Cleveland Clinic: Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
