N81: Female genital prolapse

N81.1: Cystocele

The bladder sits low down in the abdomen and collects the urine. The urine is produced in the two kidneys. The urine flows from the kidneys into the bladder via the ureters. When you pass water, the urine flows from the bladder via the urethra and out. The bladder and urethra are normally located at the bottom of the pelvis in front of the vagina.

Your bladder is lower down in the pelvis than usual. This can happen if the pelvic floor is weak or the ligaments in the pelvis slacken. Sometimes the bladder protrudes forward into the vagina. The pelvic floor consists of a series of muscles and connective tissue. It uses them to hold the organs in the abdomen and pelvis in place. The pelvic floor also helps to keep the urethra and anus closed, for example. The organs are also held in place by specific ligaments.

If the bladder is lower down than normal, you will often have a feeling of pressure in this area. You may also find it hard to hold back urine or you may have to urinate frequently.