Mild cases of cystocele seldom produce any symptoms. In severe cases, cystocele presents with the following signs and symptoms [7]:

• Pain during intercourse followed by leakage of urine in some cases
• Feeling of pressure on the pelvic region
• Prone to frequent bladder infections
• Discomfort increases when during activities such as coughing, bending down or lifting heavy objects
• Incontinence
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying which causes increase in urge to urinate

Symptoms of cystocele are more experienced and evident, when the affected individuals stand for longer duration [8].

The following methods are employed for diagnosis of cystocele:
Pelvic examination: A preliminary pelvic examination will be carried out at 2 different positions – in the standing position and supine position. During the examination, tissue bulge into the vagina will be noticed, which is an indication of cystocele. Individuals would also be asked to exert pressure, to measure the strength of pelvic muscle, and to analyze the degree of prolapse that has occurred.

Urine and bladder function tests: These tests help in determining how well the bladder gets emptied after urination. In addition, signs of urine or bladder infection will also be checked through urine samples.

Questionnaire: The affected individual will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, which will help in determining the degree of prolapsed, and its affect on the quality of life. The results that are obtained help in determining the future course of treatment.

Mild cases of cystocele do not require any treatment. However, the condition is constantly monitored to determine the disease progression. Such individuals are advised to practice exercises that would help in strengthening the pelvic muscles. When these are not effective, then the following methods are used for treating cystocele:

Pessary: Pessary is a supportive device, made up of plastic or rubber ring, which is inserted into the vagina. It is a removable device that provides support to the bladder. The individuals can clean the device, and reinsert it by themselves.

Estrogen therapy: It is the method of choice in cases, when menopause has set in. Estrogen is used in form of vaginal pill or cream which helps in strengthening the pelvic muscles [9].

Surgery: When the above mentioned methods of treatment do not work, and the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, then surgery is the last resort. Surgical intervention is used for placing the bladder back into its position. This is done by tightening the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor.

In mild cases requiring minimal treatment, the prognosis is favorable. In cases when surgical intervention becomes necessary, the outcome after the procedure is excellent, as long as the woman avoids all those activities that exert pressure on the pelvic muscles [6].

Older aged women are more prone to contract this condition, than their younger counterparts, probably due to weakening of the muscles with advancing age. Some theories suggest that menopause may increase the risk of developing cystocele. However, studies still need to be done, to further establish a strong link between these factors. The various causative factors for development of cystocele include the following:

• Strenuous activities, such as child birth, through the normal process or lifting of heavy objects
• History of constipation that is continuing for several years
• Obesity or overweight
• History of chronic cough which is violent in nature
• Strain that occurs during bowel movements [2]

Cystocele is considered to be a major health concern, amongst the elderly population. It has been estimated that, about 200,000 operations are performed every year in the US for pelvic organ prolapsed. Cystocele is the most common form of pelvic organ prolapse [3].

Anatomically, the pelvic floor constitutes of ligaments, and muscles, along with pelvic organs. Advancing age, and certain traumatic or strenuous conditions, can cause the ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor to weaken. Such a kind of event can cause the bladder to slip from its original position. The bladder moves down and bulges into the vagina. Such a type of condition is also referred to as anterior prolapse [4].

There have been pieces of evidence, suggesting that cystocele may not develop in women before menopause. This is so because; the hormone estrogen is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of the vaginal tissues. After menopause, when the levels of estrogen undergo a significant decline, the elasticity of the tissue also reduces favoring the development of cystocele [5].

Several self care tips can be adopted, to prevent the onset of cystocele. These include:

• Practicing kegel exercises on a regular basis, helps in strengthening the pelvic muscles, which in a way, prevents the development of cystocele.
• Having a fiber rich diet to help keep constipation at bay
• Avoiding in lifting heavy loads; if it is unavoidable, then, learning the correct way of lifting will be helpful.
• Chronic coughs should be promptly treated
• It is also advised to avoid putting on weight, which would in turn, put pressure on pelvic muscles [10].

Such a type of medical condition gives rise to several uncomfortable symptoms. Cystocele occurs, when the muscles of the vaginal walls and bladder, undergo strenuous situations, such as process of child birth, or long standing history of constipation, lifting heavy objects or coughing violently [1].

Definition: Cystocele is a condition, wherein the bladder slips from its original position, and bulges into the vagina, due to weakening of the muscles of pelvic floor. Post menopausal and elderly women are more prone to contract this condition.

Cause: Weakening of the pelvic muscles and tissues of vaginal wall, causes cystocele to develop. Several factors which exert pressure on these muscles cause them to loosen. These include, process of childbirth through the vaginal route, constipation, lifting of heavy load, menopause, and chronic cough.

Symptoms: Symptoms of cystocele include urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse, feeling of pressure in the pelvic region as well as vagina, frequent bladder infections, and discomfort experienced during coughing or bending.

Diagnosis: A preliminary pelvic examination is done to diagnose the condition. In addition, bladder and urine tests would follow, to check for infections and assess the bladder emptying capacity.

Treatment: In the initial stages, no treatment is required, except that the individual is asked to practice pelvic muscle strengthening exercises. When these do not work, then they are given pessary support devices, to be placed in the vagina. Surgery is the last resort, and employed in advanced cases.

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