What causes a cystocele?

What causes a cystocele?

Risk factors for a cystocele include:

• Vaginal births, which may involve straining the muscles of the floor of the pelvis.
• Family history.
• Obesity.
• Intense physical activity, including lifting heavy objects.
• Hysterectomy.
• Constipation and/or repeated muscle straining during bowel movements.
• Frequent coughing.
• Aging and a drop in the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps keep muscles around the vagina strong, but women produce less estrogen as they enter menopause (the end of menstrual periods).