How effective is pelvic floor repair surgery for cystocele?

A cystocele occurs when the front wall of the vagina bulges because support between the bladder and vagina has weakened. Repair aims to restore support and reduce a vaginal bulge, pressure, difficulty emptying the bladder, or discomfort with activity. Surgery may not resolve every urinary symptom, especially when urgency, infection, pelvic muscle dysfunction, or another bladder problem is also present.

The surgeon considers the size and position of the prolapse, symptoms, previous operations, bowel and bladder function, general health, and future pregnancy plans. Recovery involves healing and a gradual return to activity; the exact restrictions should come from the operating team.

Before deciding, discuss observation, a pessary, pelvic floor training, and surgery, along with what symptom matters most to you. Ask how bladder emptying will be checked and whether other prolapse areas need attention. After surgery, follow instructions about wound care, constipation prevention, lifting, exercise, and sexual activity. Report increasing pain, difficulty passing urine, fever, or heavy bleeding promptly. Read more about [Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/pelvic-floor-repair-surgery/).

Seek urgent medical help for inability to pass urine, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, chest pain, or shortness of breath after surgery. Contact the surgical team for fever, foul-smelling discharge, a wound that is opening, new loss of bladder control, or symptoms that are worsening instead of settling.

Which symptoms is repair most likely to address? Do I have prolapse in another area? What are the non-surgical options for my situation? How will you protect bladder function, and what activities must wait during recovery?