What are the treatment options for cystocele?

A cystocele, also called bladder prolapse, occurs when the front wall of the vagina bulges because the support between the bladder and vagina has weakened. Some people have no symptoms and can be monitored. Others notice pressure, a vaginal bulge, incomplete bladder emptying, urine leakage, or discomfort with activity.

A vaginal pessary is a fitted device placed inside the vagina to support the bladder. It can be useful when you prefer to avoid surgery, need support while considering options, or have health reasons that make an operation less suitable. Pelvic floor repair surgery restores support when symptoms remain troublesome or the prolapse is more advanced.

A pelvic examination confirms the prolapse and checks bladder emptying. Avoid straining where possible by treating constipation, use lifting techniques that reduce pressure, and discuss pelvic floor exercises with a trained clinician. If you use a pessary, keep the planned fitting and review appointments so comfort, vaginal tissue, and urinary symptoms can be checked.

Seek urgent advice if you cannot pass urine, have severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or a bulge that becomes very painful or cannot be pushed back. Arrange a review for blood in the urine, repeated urinary infections, new leakage, or a pessary that causes pain or foul-smelling discharge.

Ask how advanced the cystocele is, whether your bladder is emptying fully, which pessary may fit, how it will be maintained, and what recovery and urinary effects to expect from repair surgery.