What is a cystocele?

What is a cystocele?

A cystocele ― also known as a prolapsed, herniated, dropped or fallen bladder (where your urine or “water” is stored) ― occurs when ligaments that hold your bladder up and the muscle between a woman’s vagina and bladder stretches or weakens, allowing the bladder to sag into the vagina.

There are three grades of cystocele:

• Grade 1 (mild): The bladder drops only a short way into the vagina.
• Grade 2 (moderate): The bladder drops to the opening of the vagina.
• Grade 3 (severe): The bladder bulges through the opening of the vagina.