A bladder is a hollow
organ in the pelvis storing urine and the pressure created when it is full is
what causes the urge to urinate. Durinf urination, the urine will travel from
the bladder and out the body through the urethra. In women, the front wall of
the vagina support the bladder which can weaken or loosen with age. Also with
significant body stress such as with childbirth it can damage this part of the
vaginal wall. With enough deterioration, the bladder can prolapse which will no
longer supported and descends into the vagina.
This will trigger
problems such as stress incontinence such as urine leakage due to coughing,
sneezing and exertion, urinary difficulties and discomfort. Prolapsed bladders
are called as cystoceles or fallen bladders which are separated into four
grades based on how far the bladder will droop into the vagina.
Causes and symptoms of bladder prolapse
The factors such as
menopause, childbirth and straining are commonly associated causes of bladder
prolapse.
The first symptoms which
a women with bladder prolapse notice is the presence of tissue in the vagina
that most women will describe as something that feels like a ball.
Other symptoms of a
bladder prolapse include- protruding tissue from the vagina, discomfort or pain
in the pelvis, a feeling that bladder is not empty immediately after urinating,
difficulty to urinate, more frequent bladder infections, stress incontinence,
low back pain and painful intercourse.
Some women may not
experience or notice symptoms of a mild bladder prolapse.
Tests and diagnosis for prolapsed bladder
The tests and diagnosis
for a prolapsed bladder includes pelvic exam- a bladder that has entered the
vagina conforms the diagnosis. For obvious cases, the doctor may use a voiding
cystourethrogram that includes a series of X-rays taken during urination to
help with diagnosis. It will determine the shape of the bladder and the cause
of urinary difficulty. Your doctor will also test or take X-rays of different
parts of the abdomen to rule out the possible cause of discomfort or urinary
difficulty.
Post diagnosis, the
doctor may test the muscles, nerves and the intensity of the urine stream to
help decide the appropriate type of treatment. A test called as urodynamics or
video urodynamics will be performed at the doctor’s discretion. Cystoscopy will
be performed to identify the treatment options.
Treatment options for bladder prolapse
A mild prolapsed bladder
producing no pain or discomfort will not require medical or surgical treatment
instead the doctor will recommend that a woman should avoid heavy lifting or
straining. For serious cases, the doctor will consider various factors such as
general health, age, treatment preference and severity of the prolapsed bladder
to determine the appropriate treatment.
Non surgical treatments
for a prolapsed bladder are pessary, estrogen replacement therapy.
For severe prolapsed
bladders which cannot be managed with pessary will require a prolapsed bladder
surgery for correting them. Usually, this is performed through vagina and the
goal is to secure the bladder in its correct position. The bladder is repaired
with incision in the vaginal wall and the prolapsed ares is close and the wall
will be strengthened.
Depending on the
procedure, the surgery will be performed while you are under general, regional
or local anesthesia and you may go home the same day of surgery. Various
materials will be used to strengthen the pelvic weakness related to the
prolapsed bladder.
Prolapsed bladder prevention and management
Prolapsed bladder
prevention includes a high-fiber diet and daily intake of plenty of fluids to
reduce the developing constipation risk. Avoid straining during the bowel
movements. Women with long term constipation should seek medical attention in
order to reduce the chance of developing a prolapsed bladder. Heavy lifting
related to prolapsed baldder should be avoided. Obesity is also a risk factor
to develop a prolapsed baldder. Weight control and management may help prevent
development of this condition.
When to call a doctor for bladder prolapse
Any women who notice the
symptoms of prolapsed bladder should see her doctor. Timely medical care is
recommended for evaluation and prevention of the problematic symptoms and
complications caused by weakned muscles and tissues in the vagina. Several
treatments are available to correct the proloapsed bladder as they cannot heal
themselves and worsen over time.
You will get the International
Patient Experiences here:
No comments:
Post a Comment