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Cystocele of the Bladder: Pop then Plop

Moderate Cystocele, Atrophic Vaginal Tissue


The base of the bladder is located in the upper vaginal wall. When that wall protrudes into the vagina or through the vaginal opening, the medical term is cystocele. Some will just call it vaginal wall prolapse. Factors that cause the wall to weaken: age, straining, birthing, or even overly full bladders on a chronic basis. In the case when the cystocele is more than just a fullness when your bladder has filled the condition becomes a bulge and the condition is called a cystocele. For most women, it's something you are first told about at a gyno exam. Some women hear an actual pop and then notice the bulging. Others just notice that there is tissue plopping into their vagina. Other women just report discomfort with intercourse. Kegals exercises for your pubococcygeous muscles or strengthening balls (yes, you've been reading about these in your 50 Shades book!) help to make the muscles strong, but will never correct a condition like the one shown in this picture which is considered a moderate cystocele. The muscles are weak, but it's a true hernia that would have to be held in place with a pessary or corrected with surgery. Its not really known if weight loss would prevent or help the condition of pelvic floor weakness called a cystocele but weight loss has been associated with decreased episodes of incontinence for women who have incontinence. It's another reason to keep your yearly pelvic exams, even when giving up pap smears, so that you can discuss your sexuality and monitor your anatomy.

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