Warren M. Overbey M.D. When the bladder drops from its normal place into the vagina, it is called a cystocele. Some cystoceles cause urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, lift objects, or even walk. Large cystoceles may kink the urethra and interfere with the passing of urine. If this occurs, you may have to strain or push the bladder up by reaching into the vagina in order to pass urine. If there is a very large Cystocele and if the bladder loses some of its ability to contract, it may not completely empty.
Small cystoceles are common.
They usually do not interfere with urination and do not need surgery. If a Cystocele is causing symptoms, your doctor can suggest ways to relieve them. The place where the bladder joins the urethra is called the bladder outlet or bladder neck. When the tissues that support the bladder neck are damaged, it may drop and push against the vaginal wall. A dropped bladder neck is called a cystourethrocele.