Every person’s bladder is supposed to remain in the proper position as it is supported by the muscles of the pelvic floor. Instances in which the bladder bulges out of place are known as bladder prolapse. This is often the result of weakened or damaged tissues within the individual’s pelvic floor.

Dr. Ali Ghomi is a nationally recognized surgeon specializing in pelvic reconstructive surgery and provides care to patients in Bergen County, Paramus, and Hackensack. If you’re experiencing symptoms of bladder prolapse, contact Dr. Ali Ghomi today to schedule an appointment at our urogynecology office in North Jersey. Give our office a call at (862) 657-3150 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

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What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Prolapse?

Bladder prolapse is most commonly seen in women, often caused by the significant pressure placed on the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth. When this occurs, the bladder may begin to protrude through the vagina, leading to various symptoms, such as:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Sensation of an incomplete bladder emptying even immediately after urination
  • Visible tissue protruding from the vaginal opening
  • Pelvic pain
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Noticeable pressure in the vaginal area

Some patients with bladder prolapse may remain asymptomatic, experiencing no abnormal symptoms. In such cases, bladder prolapse is often diagnosed during a routine physical examination.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of bladder prolapse, it is important to contact Dr. Ghomi right away to schedule a consultation. Once the source of your discomfort is identified, Dr. Ghomi can provide personalized recommendations for treatment.

How is a Pelvic Floor Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis varies from patient to patient. In some cases, additional diagnostic imaging or tests may be required to thoroughly evaluate the individual’s bladder function. Dr. Ghomi may order the following tests:

  • Urodynamic testing
  • Cystoscopy
  • Ultrasound
  • X-ray
  • MRI

These tests can help determine the severity of bladder prolapse. The condition is typically graded on a scale from 1 to 4, with each grade representing a different level of severity:

  • Grade 1: Mild prolapse, where the bladder starts to drop slightly into the vagina.
  • Grade 2: Moderate prolapse, with the bladder reaching the opening of the vagina.
  • Grade 3: Severe prolapse, where the bladder protrudes outside of the body.
  • Grade 4: Complete prolapse, with the bladder hanging fully outside the vagina.

How is Bladder Prolapse Treated?

For mild cases of bladder prolapse, medical treatment may not be necessary. Simple measures, such as avoiding added pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and performing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, can often lead to significant symptom improvement.

In more advanced cases, additional treatments may be recommended, including estrogen replacement therapy or the use of a pessary.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy introduces higher levels of estrogen (the primary female sex hormone) to the body, helping to tighten the pelvic floor muscles. This can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing a decline in estrogen, such as those going through menopause.

Pessary

A pessary is a device designed to hold the bladder in place manually. It may be inserted, removed, and regularly cleaned either by the patient or their physician.

Surgery for Bladder Prolapse

Surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments are ineffective, or if the patient is experiencing severe bladder prolapse. Although surgery carries more risks than non-invasive options, it can provide permanent relief from bladder prolapse and its associated symptoms.