What Causes A Woman’s Bladder Prolapse?

The supportive tissue between a woman's bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina in a condition is known as cystoceleor bladder prolapse. It can range from mild to severe and may result in pain, urinary dysfunction, and visible mass.There are a number of reasons why the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues become damaged and weak, ultimately leading to bladder prolapse. Identifying these causes can be a way to prevent and intervene early on.

1. Childbirth

Childbirth, and particularly vaginal births, is a one of the most common reasons for bladder prolapse. Delivery puts a great deal of strain on the muscles, ligaments and tissues that surround the bladder and other pelvic organs. Having more than one vaginal birth raises the likelihood, because with each birth the structures become more stretched and weaker. Also giving birth to a large baby or having long labor can make things worse. Although the risk with cesarean section may be less than in vaginal delivery, pregnancy leads to weakening of pelvic floor muscles because of hormonal changes and the burden of a growing uterus.

2. Aging

Another indicator for developing bladder prolapse is aging. In women, especially after menopause, estrogen decreases, which causes the pelvic tissues to lose elasticity and strength. Estrogen is very important for the health of connective tissue, and its decline can cause accelerated deterioration of the pelvic floor. In association with age-related muscle tone loss, older woman are at higher risk of experiencing pelvic organ prolapse with cystocele.

3. Chronically Pressured Pelvic Floor

Bladder prolapse can also occur if the pelvic floor has been chronically pressured. Chronic constipation, obesity or frequent heavy lifting can weaken the pelvic muscles over time. Chronic straining during defecation, for example, elevates intra-abdominal pressure and can gradually damage the pelvic floor mechanisms of support. Likewise, the constant excess weight of obesity presses down upon the pelvic organs, helping draw them downwards. Professions or tasks that require frequent heavy lifting that is not done properly may have a similar effect, as the downward pressure strains the pelvic floor.

4. Bad Lifestyles and Health Issues

Some lifestyle and health issues can also raise the risk of developing a cystocele. Thus, smoking as an example can lead to chronic coughing, which over again increases intra-abdominal pressure and applies tension on the pelvic muscles. Lung problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, that result in long-term coughing can do it, too. Also, previous pelvic surgery, like a hysterectomy, may weaken the bladder's natural support system and increase the likelihood of prolapse. A genetic predisposition also factors in; some women are born with weaker connective tissues, which is known to make them more predisposed to pelvic floor disorders. In some instances, that repeated jarring down onto the pelvic floor can lead to dysfunction over time, such as intense jumping or running. Although exercise is generally beneficial, overstrain without proper preparation of the pelvic floor, can be a predisposing factor. On the other hand, if you sit for long periods, your muscles also become weak from disuse demonstrating the need for moderate exercise.

The effects of bladder prolapse can have a dramatic effect on a woman's quality of life with symptoms including excess urination, at the same time, inability to empty the bladder completely, or a feeling of pelvic pressure. While you can't control certain factors, such as aging and genetics, there are some others, including your weight, not lifting heavy things, doing exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and managing a chronic cough, that might also lower your risk. If it's caught early and treated — one treatment might be physical therapy and in severe cases, the condition might need surgery — it can be reversed and you will feel better in your daily life. Knowing what leads to these conditions can allow women to be proactive and maintain good pelvic health.