A dropping down, or prolapse, of the bladder can occur when the muscles, ligaments and other structures of the pelvic floor can no longer support the vagina, bladder and other organs in the pelvic area. Childbirth with vaginal deliveries, obesity, straining with bowel movements and heavy lifting are common causes of a prolapsed bladder. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help if the condition is not severe, but significant prolapse may eventually require other medical treatment.
Kegel Exercises
Designed to strengthen the hammock-like and triangular pelvic floor muscles, Kegel exercises are typically performed at least three times a day, taking about five minutes for each session.
To perform the exercises, you must pull in, or tightly squeeze the same muscles you use to stop your urine stream. Hold the contraction for one to two seconds initially, gradually increasing to 10 seconds over time. Then relax the muscles for 10 seconds, and repeat the cycle 10 to15 times. You can sit, stand or lie down to do these exercises.
Some women find it difficult to isolate the muscles involved in Kegel exercises or are unable to hold the contraction for several seconds. Therapists using biofeedback techniques can sometimes help women concentrate on contracting the right muscles.
Pessary Devices
For more significant prolapse, your doctor may recommend a pessary device to help support the pelvic organs. Designed to push the bladder up and back into place, pessaries are inserted vaginally. Shaped like a diaphragm, donut or cube and made of rubber or plastic, pessaries can be worn for a few hours or constantly. They must be removed and cleaned at least every few weeks, but some women choose to clean them nightly. Pessaries can irritate vaginal tissues, and it may take several tries before your doctor finds the right fit for your shape.
Surgical Repair
When bladder prolapse becomes severe, symptoms such as discomfort or pain in your pelvic area, urinary incontinence or recurrent bladder infections may cause your doctor to recommend surgery. The procedure is typically done through the vagina. The surgeon moves the bladder back into place, cuts away redundant tissue and tightens pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. Doctors generally do not recommend surgery for women still planning to have children. For those who must have the surgery, surgeons generally recommend that future pregnancies be delivered via cesarean section rather than vaginally, according to MayoClinic.com.
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