Weakened vaginal wall muscles primarily caused by childbirth may cause a woman's bladder to prolapse, a condition medically termed a cystocele. Obesity, straining, heavy lifting or constipation can also cause this condition. MayoClinic.com reports that surgery is elective and a variety of treatment options may initially treat the prolapsed bladder, suggesting that women avoid surgery until after having children, and initially focus on non-invasive treatment options.
Pessary
Women may insert a medical pessary into the vagina to reposition the bladder and decrease the severity of the condition. The medical prosthesis comes in different shapes and sizes and is generally constructed of plastic or rubber. Some pessaries are inflatable for additional support. The device must be removed and cleansed monthly to avoid complications such as infection or vaginal ulcers, according to the Merck Manual. Some medical professionals may suggest women use a large tampon or diaphragm in place of a pessary, notes MayoClinic.com.
Estrogen Therapy
A woman's vaginal walls begin to thin during and after menopause. Some medical professionals may prescribe estrogen replacement therapy. A variety of options are available, ranging from oral medications to topical ointments. The estrogen keeps the vaginal walls strong and prevents a prolapsed bladder from occurring. Still, serious side effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, as well as other conditions, may occur when long-term hormone replacement therapy is used, reports MayoClinic.com.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the vaginal muscles and prevent a prolapsed bladder from worsening. Simulating the attempt to hold urine flow can identify the muscles, explains the Merck Manual, noting that nearly 50 percent of patients are unable to perform Kegel exercises properly. Contracting the thigh or buttock muscles is not effective in treating a prolapsed bladder. Three sets of 8 to 10 Kegel contractions are suggested. Merck states that a patient should initially contract and hold the vaginal muscles for about one to two seconds and slowly build up to a contraction lasting 10 seconds. A patient should empty her bladder prior to performing the exercises. Weighted vaginal cones may also be inserted into the vagina, and a woman should attempt to hold the cone in place by contracting the vaginal muscles. Patients should not over exercise the vaginal muscles, which actually increases weakness and incontinence. Kegel exercises were developed in 1948 Dr. Arnold Kegel to decrease incontinence after childbirth.
