### Bladder Prolapse: Symptoms and Treatment Options Bladder prolapse, also known as cystocele, occurs when a woman's bladder sags out of place and bulges into the vagina. This condition can cause various symptoms and can be treated in multiple ways. #### Symptoms - **Lower Abdominal Pain**: You might feel an ache or pressure in your lower abdomen. - **Difficulty Urinating**: Trouble starting to pee, a weak urine stream, or feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bladder. - **Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse**: Pain or discomfort during sex. - **Pelvic Pressure**: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, especially after standing for a long time. #### Treatment Options - **Lifestyle Changes**: Avoid heavy lifting and straining, maintain a healthy weight, and quit smoking. - **Kegel Exercises**: Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by squeezing and releasing the muscles that control urine flow. - **Pessary**: A plastic or rubber ring inserted into the vagina to support the bladder. It’s a non-surgical option that your doctor can fit for you. - **Estrogen Therapy**: For post-menopausal women, estrogen can help strengthen the pelvic muscles. This can be administered as a cream, pill, or ring. - **Surgery**: If symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary. There are two main types: - **Obliterative Surgery**: Narrows or closes off the vagina to support the bladder, making sexual intercourse impossible. - **Reconstructive Surgery**: Rebuilds the tissue supporting the bladder using your own tissue or a mesh. This can be done through the abdomen or vagina. Recovery from surgery varies, but generally, you should avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for a few weeks. Always discuss with your doctor to choose the best treatment option for you.