Prolapsed Urinary Bladder
Any woman who notices symptoms of a prolapsed bladder should contact her doctor. A prolapsed bladder is commonly associated with prolepses of other organs within in a woman's pelvis. Thus, timely medical care is recommended to evaluate for and to prevent problematic symptoms and complications caused by weakening tissue and muscle in the vagina. Prolapsed organs cannot heal themselves, and most worsen over time. Several treatments are available to correct a prolapsed bladder.
Self-Care at Home
For mild-to-moderate cases of prolapsed bladder, the doctor may recommend activity modification such as avoiding heavy lifting or straining. The doctor may also recommend Kevel exercises. These are exercises used to tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kevel exercises might be used to treat mild-to-moderate prolepses or to supplement other treatments for prolepses that are more serious.
Other Therapy
Physical therapy such as electrical stimulation and
biofeedback may be used to help strengthen the muscles in the pelvis.
- Electrical stimulation: A doctor can apply a probe to targeted muscles within the vagina or on the pelvic floor. The probe is attached to a device that measures and delivers small electrical currents that contract the muscles. These contractions help strengthen the muscles. A less intrusive type of electrical stimulation is available that magnetically stimulates the pudenda nerve from outside the body. This activates the muscles of the pelvic floor and may help treat incontinence.
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Biofeedback: A sensor is used to monitor muscle activity in the vagina and on the pelvic floor. The doctor can recommend exercises that can strengthen these muscles. These exercises may help strengthen the muscles to reverse or relieve some symptoms related to a prolapsed bladder. The sensor can monitor the muscular contractions during the exercises, and the doctor may be able to determine if the targeted muscles would benefit from the exercises.
Next Steps
After surgery, most women can expect to return to a normal level of activity after 6 weeks.
Follow-up
A woman undergoing treatment should schedule follow-up visits with her doctor to evaluate progress. Peccaries need to be removed and cleaned at regular intervals to prevent infection.
Prevention
A high-fiber diet and a daily intake of plenty of fluids can reduce a person's risk of developing
constipation. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided, if possible. Women with long-term
constipation should seek medical attention in order to lessen the chance of developing a prolapsed bladder.
Heavy lifting is associated with prolapsed bladder and should be avoided, if possible.
Obesity is a risk factor for developing a prolapsed bladder. Weight control may help prevent this condition from developing.
Outlook
A prolapsed bladder is rarely a life-threatening condition. Most cases that are mild can be treated without surgery, and most severe prolapsed bladders can be completely corrected with surgery.