Patients may either void through their native urethras or catheterize themselves through an inconspicuous stoma in the abdominal wall. The pelvic floor muscles are a series of muscles that form a sling or hammock across the opening of the pelvis. Along with the tissue that surround them, these muscles keep the bladder, uterus and rectum in place. Women often damage their pelvic floor muscles during childbirth which can lead to pelvic pressure, pain and leakage of urine or stool. A cystocele occurs when the bladder drops from its normal position into the vagina.
Cystoceles can cause urine leakage when simple body functions such as sneezing or coughing occur.
Small cystoceles are common and usually do not require surgery. However, large cystoceles may block the passage of urine and may not allow the bladder to empty completely. Surgery may be the best treatment option to correct a large cystocele. A rectocele occurs when the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina. It is a result of a weak back wall of the vagina.