Bladder prolapse is rarely dangerous, but it can become a serious problem when the bladder stops emptying properly or when symptoms limit your daily life.
Bladder prolapse, also called a cystocele, happens when the support between the bladder and the vagina weakens and the bladder presses downward. Severity is graded by how far the bladder drops, and mild prolapse often causes little or no discomfort. The picture changes if you have trouble starting or finishing urination, repeated urinary tract infections, or a bulge you can feel or see, since retained urine is what leads to complications. Pelvic floor muscle training, treating constipation so you strain less, managing a chronic cough, and avoiding repeated heavy lifting all reduce pressure on the pelvic floor. A pessary or surgery are options when symptoms persist, and both are decisions to make with a clinician who has examined you.
When prolapse needs a doctor
Common questions
Is bladder prolapse serious?
Bladder prolapse, or cystocele, occurs when the wall between the bladder and vagina weakens and the bladder drops. In most cases it is not dangerous. Mild prolapse often causes few symptoms and is managed with pelvic floor muscle training, treating constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting. It becomes more serious when the bladder does not empty, which can cause repeated urinary tract infections and, less often, kidney problems. Get medical care if you cannot pass urine, have a fever with back or side pain, see tissue bulging outside the vagina, or if pressure and leaking are limiting what you do.