The female bladder is held in place by supportive tissues that separate it from the vagina. However, if these tissues weaken or stretch, your bladder can slip from its normal position. This is called a cystocele, or prolapsed bladder, and while it may cause some discomfort, it is not known to cause weight gain.
Pelvic Cavity Support
When your kidneys produce urine, it is transported for storage in your bladder. Muscles in your pelvic floor support your pelvic cavity, which contains your bladder, uterus and intestines if you are female. These muscles help keep these organs in place. If these muscles become weak, any organ in your pelvic cavity can sink lower than its normal position.
Cystocele Causes
You are more susceptible to cystocele during childbirth because of the strain required. Carrying a child during pregnancy also places added strain on your pelvic cavity. These are the two most common causes, but straining during bowel movements, being overweight or obese, frequent heavy lifting and a chronic cough can also cause cystocele. Your risk of cystocele also increases with age due to natural age-related muscle loss and estrogen decrease, since estrogen helps keep pelvic muscles strong.
How to Know if You Have Cystocele
The amount that your bladder drops can be mild to severe. In severely prolapsed bladders, it is noticeable because the bladder drops into the vagina and can even bulge out of the vagina, but in milder cystocele cases, you might not be aware that your bladder slipped from its normal position. You may feel a bulge or pressure in your pelvic area, or you may feel discomfort when you bend down to lift things. You may also feel as if you have not finished emptying your bladder after urinating. If you suspect that you may have a cystocele, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Cystocele diagnosis is fairly easy. Your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam to determine if your bladder is in its original position or if it has descended. Sometimes, but not always, there is an obvious bulge. If your doctor determines that you have a cystocele, treatment depends on how severe it is. If your cystocele is mild, your doctor may recommend pelvic exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Other options include a rubber ring called a pessary, which helps keep the bladder in place. Surgery is generally only necessary in severe cases.
Side Effects
Cystocele side effects include urinary leakage when you sneeze or cough as well as pelvic discomfort. In severe cases where the bladder bulges into the vagina, intercourse becomes uncomfortable.
Prevention
When lifting heavy objects, use your leg muscles instead of your back or waist. Keep your weight within a healthy range by discussing a diet and exercise plan with your doctor. Strengthen the muscles you use to stop urination. Hold these muscles for three seconds and release, repeating 10 to 15 times.
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