How do you get rid of a cystocele?
It depends on how severe your cystocele is.
If you have a mild cystocele that doesn’t bother you, you may not need any treatment other than to avoid heavy lifting or straining that could worsen the cystocele.
Other mild cystocele treatment options include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight for you.
- Estrogen replacement therapy.
- Kegel exercises to strengthen the openings of your urethra, vagin* and rectum.
- A pessary device to help hold your bladder in place.
Some moderate or severe cystoceles may require surgery if the above options don’t work.
What happens during and after surgery for a cystocele?
A moderate or severe cystocele may require an anterior colporrhaphy. An anterior colporrhaphy is a type of reconstructive surgery in which a surgeon moves your bladder back into its normal position and tightens the muscles in the front wall that hold your bladder in place.
Cystocele surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day you have the surgery. Most people have a complete recovery in a few months.
If you never plan on having sexual intercourse again, there are surgical options that sew the vagin* shut and shorten it so there are no longer any bulges.
If more than your bladder is falling down — such as your uterus, the top of your vagin* (providers call this the apex after a hysterectomy) or the rectum — then your provider may discuss other types of surgeries with you.
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
For a severe cystocele that requires surgery, you should feel better soon after the surgery. But complete recovery may take a few weeks.
