Repair of Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele) or Urethra Prolapse (Urethrocele)

Pelvic organ prolapse is often caused or made worse by labor and vaginal delivery, so you may want to delay surgical repair until you have finished having children.

Surgical repair may relieve some, but not all, of the problems caused by a cystocele or urethrocele. If pelvic pain, low back pain, or pain with intercourse is present before surgery, the pain may still occur after surgery. Symptoms of urinary incontinence or retention may return or get worse following surgery.

You can control many of the activities that may have contributed to your cystocele or urethrocele or made it worse. After surgery:

• Avoid smoking.
• Stay at a healthy weight for your height.
• Avoid constipation.
• Avoid activities that put strain on the lower pelvic muscles, such as heavy lifting or long periods of standing.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

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