MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cystocele

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Cystocele

A cystocele is an downward outpocketing or hernia of the bladder towards the vaginal opening. The weakening of the muscular wall in this condition can cause urine to leak from the bladder when there is an increase in internal abdominal pressure such as in sneezing or coughing. Surgery such as an anterior vaginal wall repair may help this condition.

Update Date: 4/24/2008

Updated by: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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