Prolapsed Bladder
Prolapsed Bladder 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 Kegel exercises. These are exercises used to tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegel exercises might be used to treat mild-to-moderate prolapses or to supplement other treatments for prolapses that are more serious.
Medications for Prolapsed Bladder
Estrogen replacement therapy may be used for a prolapsed bladder to help the
body strengthen the muscles in and around the vagina. Estrogen replacement
therapy can't be used by everyone (such as in a people with certain types
of cancer).
Women’s bodies stop creating estrogen naturally after menopause, and the
muscles of the vagina may weaken as a result. In mild cases of prolapsed
bladder, estrogen may be prescribed in an attempt to reverse bladder prolapse
symptoms, such as vaginal weakening and incontinence. For more severe degrees
of prolapse, estrogen replacement therapy may be used along with other types of
treatment.
Estrogen can be administered orally as a pill or topically as a patch
or cream. The cream has very little systemic absorption and has a
potent effect locally where it is applied. Topical administration
has less risk than the oral preparations. The application of estrogens
to the anterior vagina and urethral area may be very helpful in alleviating
urinary symptoms, such as urgency and frequency, even in the face of prolapsed
bladder.
Prolapsed Bladder Surgery
Severe prolapsed bladders that cannot be managed with a pessary usually require surgery to correct them. Prolapsed bladder surgery is usually performed through the vagina, and the goal is to secure the bladder in its correct position. The bladder is repaired with an incision in the vaginal wall. The prolapsed area is closed and the wall is strengthened.
Depending on the procedure, surgery can be performed while the woman is under general, regional, or local anesthesia. Most women are discharged home on the same day of surgery.
Various materials have been used to strengthen pelvic weakness associated with prolapsed bladder. A surgeon should explain in detail the risks, benefits, and potential complications of these materials and he or she should explain about the procedure itself before proceeding with the surgery.
After surgery, most women can expect to return to a normal level of activity after 6 weeks.
Other Therapy for Prolapsed Bladder
Physical therapy such as electrical stimulation and biofeedback may be used
for a prolapsed bladder 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
pudendal nerve from outside the body. This activates the muscles of the pelvic
floor and may help treat incontinence.
- 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.
WebMD Medical Reference
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.

