The feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or the perception of a "bulge" in the vagina are signs that often alert to the presence of a prolapse, which can sometimes involve a bladder descent. Known medically as a cystocele, this form of prolapse affects many women, impacting their comfort and intimacy. However, it is not inevitable, and concrete solutions exist. In this article, we will answer your major questions:
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How to identify symptoms and obtain a diagnosis of cystocele.
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The daily drawbacks and the impact on your quality of life.
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Effective methods to treat and relieve a bladder descent long-term.
How do you know if you have a bladder descent?
In the case of a bladder descent, the wall between the bladder and the vagina stretches and collapses toward the vagina due to the weakening of support tissues (fascia and ligaments).
Bladder descent: characteristic symptoms
Symptoms are often correlated with the stage of the prolapse. In the early stages, the pathology can be asymptomatic. However, the most frequent signs are:
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Pelvic heaviness: Pressure or a dull ache in the pelvis, often described as "something coming down, pushing downwards."
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Presence of a vaginal mass: A sensation of fullness or the sight/touch of a bulge at the vaginal entrance.
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Urinary disorders: Difficulty emptying the bladder completely, urgent or frequent urges (pollakiuria), or incontinence.
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Dyspareunie: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Medical diagnosis
If you experience these symptoms, a consultation with a midwife, gynecologist, or urologist is essential. The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination where the practitioner will ask you to perform a "push" to evaluate the extent of the descent (stages 1 to 4).
What are the drawbacks of a bladder descent?
Beyond physical discomfort, a cystocele causes drawbacks that affect all areas of life:
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Discomfort during daily activities: Prolonged standing or walking can become painful by the end of the day because gravity increases the pressure.
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Limitation of physical activities: The fear that symptoms will worsen or the mechanical discomfort often hinders the practice of sports, leading to the cessation of activities beneficial to health.
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Recurrent urinary tract infections: When it descends, the bladder may not empty properly. This post-void residual encourages the stagnation of urine and bacterial proliferation.
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Psychological and social impact: Anxiety related to body image and urinary disorders can lead to social withdrawal.
How to treat a bladder descent?
Several validated therapeutic options exist for treating a bladder descent, ranging from rehabilitation to surgery, including mechanical devices. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, conservative methods (non-surgical) will always be prioritized.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
This is the first-line treatment recommended by the French National Authority for Health (HAS). It aims to strengthen the pelvic floor to better support the organs. Kegel exercises and biofeedback are particularly effective for learning how to lock the pelvic floor during exertion.
Emy Trainer: technology at the service of your pelvic floor
To treat a bladder descent, consistency in exercises is key. This is where the Emy solution comes in. This connected probe uses biofeedback technology: it detects your pelvic floor contractions and transmits them in real-time to your smartphone via fun games.
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Proven effectiveness: You visualize your efforts, which allows you to perform Kegel exercises correctly, without the risk of pushing downwards.
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Autonomy and comfort: You rehabilitate at home, at your own pace, in addition to your sessions with a healthcare professional.
What our users say
The impact of active rehabilitation is best measured through the experiences of those who have taken the plunge:
"I noticed the effects of the Emy Trainer probe when I felt the weight of my bladder less. Moreover, I feel the contractions of my pelvic floor better; I am more aware of these muscles." – Maryse (read her testimony)
"I am very happy with this probe; Emy is truly effective. After 2 weeks of use, I already feel improvements in my pelvic floor." – Monique (read her testimony)
View all testimonials from users suffering from prolapse
Wearing a pessary
A pessary is a silicone device inserted into the vagina to support the bladder. It is a non-invasive but very effective solution for immediate relief of symptoms, particularly during physical activities or for patients who do not wish to have surgery.
Surgery
An operation is considered when conservative treatments fail and the prolapse is bothersome. The intervention aims to reposition the bladder and strengthen the support tissues.
How to relieve a bladder descent naturally?
To slow down progression and alleviate discomfort, a few daily reflexes are essential:
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Adopt hypopressive gymnastics: Unlike classic crunches, it reduces intra-abdominal pressure and "lifts" the organs.
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Avoid constipation: Straining efforts during defecation worsen the prolapse. It is advisable to raise your feet on a footstool while on the toilet.
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Manage heavy lifting: Avoid carrying heavy objects. Learn to contract your pelvic floor before any effort (coughing, sneezing, lifting an object) and always exhale during the effort while contracting your pelvic floor.
Conclusion
Bladder descent is a frequent condition that requires appropriate management. By acting at the first symptoms, it is entirely possible to stop the progression of the prolapse and regain quality of life.
The 3 key points to remember:
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Listen to your body: Unusual heaviness or urinary leaks are warning signals that justify a consultation.
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Prioritize conservative treatments: Pelvic floor rehabilitation and the pessary are effective solutions for stabilizing a cystocele before considering surgery.
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Strengthen your pelvic floor with Emy: To stabilize and prevent the worsening of a cystocele, regular training is crucial. The Emy Trainer, a medical device using biofeedback, allows you to perform clinically validated exercises at home to durably tone your pelvic floor and effectively support your bladder.
Bibliography
- Cystocele (fallen bladder) - Symptoms and causes, Mayo Clinic Staff, Mars 2024, Mayo Clinic Patient Education - link
- Vaginal pessary for prolapse: anchor, wedge, and ball/socket—a proposed classification system based on its mechanism of action, S. Abbas Shobeiri, Manon H. Kerkhof, Liesbeth P. J. van der Loo, S. J. C. M. (Stanny) Luykx, Hans Peter Dietz, Février 2016, International Urogynecology Journal 27(2):299-304 - lien
