Cystocele

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

The following factors may increase your risk of experiencing a cystocele:

  • Childbirth. Women who have vaginally delivered one or more children have a higher risk of developing prolapse.
  • Aging. Your risk of experiencing prolapse increases as you age. This is especially true after menopause, when your body's production of estrogen — which helps keep pelvic muscles strong — decreases.
  • Having a hysterectomy. Having your uterus removed may contribute to weakness in your pelvic floor support.
  • Genetics. Some women are born with weaker connective tissues, making them naturally more susceptible to a cystocele.
References
  1. Lentz GM. Anatomic Ddefects of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/172806660-4/0/1524/131.html?tocnode=53759383&fromURL=131.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50023-6_663. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  2. Abed M, et al. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: Diagnosis and treatment for the primary care physician. The Medical Clinics of North America. 2008;92:1273.
  3. Mahajan ST. Anterior vaginal wall support abnormalities: Evaluation and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  4. Urinary incontinence in women. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uiwomen/. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  5. Gebhart JB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 6, 2009.
  6. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 30, 2009.

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Jan. 12, 2010

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