Cystocele

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What is a cystocele?

A cystocele—also called a prolapsed bladder or sometimes a bladder collapse—happens when the wall between the bladder and vagina weakens. This allows the bladder to drop, or bulge, into the vagina.

This condition is common, especially after childbirth or with aging. While it can feel uncomfortable, many people find relief with the right care and support. At Penn Medicine, specialists in urology and urogynecology offer a range of personalized treatment options, from conservative therapies to advanced surgical repairs, to help you regain your quality of life.

Recognizing cystocele symptoms

Signs and symptoms can range from mild to more pronounced, depending on how far the bladder has shifted. They may be more noticeable at the end of the day or after standing for long periods.

Symptoms may include:

  • A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
  • A bulge in the vagina that you can see or feel
  • Trouble starting urination or fully emptying the bladder
  • Frequent urination or urgency
  • Urine leakage, especially when coughing or lifting
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Why cystoceles happen

Bladder prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder become stretched or weakened. This can occur for several reasons, including pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, aging and menopause, or repeated heavy lifting or straining. Other factors, like chronic coughing, constipation, being overweight, straining during bowel movements, or previous pelvic surgery, can also put added strain on the pelvic floor and contribute to a cystocele.

Cystocele diagnosis and testing

Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will perform a gentle pelvic exam to check the position of the bladder. In some cases, additional tests may be used to rule out other conditions. These may include bladder function tests or imaging.

Urinalysis
Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.
Blue light cystoscopy (bladder scope)
Penn Medicine offers blue light cystoscopy to detect tumors in the bladder.
MRI
An MRI provides high-resolution images of the brain, spine, and many other structures in the body.

Choosing the right approach for cystocele treatment

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Some people don’t need immediate care, while others benefit from more active treatment. Your team will guide you through your options and help you decide what feels right for you.

Care that supports your comfort and confidence

At Penn Medicine, our approach is centered on helping you feel comfortable, confident, and in control of your health. Specialists take the time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

You’ll have access to a full range of options for cystocele treatment, from pelvic floor therapy to specialized urogynecology support, tailored to your needs. Just as important, your team works with you to find solutions that fit your goals, whether that’s avoiding surgery or finding lasting relief.

Related specialties

Bladder dysfunction care and incontinence care
Whether you have urinary incontinence or other bladder problems, our experts provide therapies that work.
Pelvic floor therapy
Our pelvic floor specialists treat bladder and bowel control issues and other pelvic floor disorders.
Female urology
Our female urology care focuses on issues that commonly affect women, like UTIs, incontinence, and prolapse.
Urogynecological surgery
We offer the latest minimally invasive urogynecological surgery options for pelvic floor disorders.

Schedule an appointment

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Make an appointmentCall 800-789-7366