It is a condition in which a woman’s bladder sinks into her vagina and bulges out due to the weakness of the walls of the vagina which can happen due to various reasons. Symptoms may or may not be apparent. It can cause many reproductive problems as well as can affect the quality of life.

CAUSES:

Various causes include:

• Heavy exercises that include lifting.
• Genetics
• The anterior weakening of the muscle wall, tendon and connective tissue between the vagina and the bladder.
• Childbirth -pelvic prolapse
• Constipation
• Vaginal wall defects
• Muscle injury
• History of Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

RISK FACTORS:

• The incorrect way of exercising
• The family history of cystocele
• Pelvic trauma
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Heavy lifting
• Hysterectomy
• Forceps delivery
• Obesity
• The Hispanic and white race
• Connective tissue disorders

SYMPTOMS:

• Feeling of something coming out of the vagina.
• Heaviness in the pelvic area.
• Bulge or lump out of the vagina.
• Discomfort or numbness during sex.
• Urinary incontinence 
• Feeling your bladder isn’t emptying
• Stress incontinence
• Frequent urination

DIAGNOSIS:

• Pelvic exam
• Physical examination by asking symptoms and medical history by the doctor.
• Ultrasound
• Cystourethrogram
• X-ray
• Urine culture

TREATMENT:

• Avoid lifting heavy items that can worsen the cystocele.
• A device known as pessary is placed in the vagina to hold the bladder in place to block protrusion.
• Pelvic floor exercises can be done to strengthen the vaginal wall muscles.
• Diet changes can be done by including high fiber foods that can promote good bowel movements.
• Intravaginal administration of estrogen will help in preventing atrophy of the muscles of the pelvis.
• Surgery includes repairing the vaginal wall such as colporrhaphy and sacrocolpopexy to stabilize the vaginal wall.