What Is a Prolapsed Bladder?
As women age and approach menopause, many of the muscles in their pelvic regions will begin to weaken. This can happen because of childbirth, the cessation of estrogen production, or simple, everyday activities that might put a strain on these muscles. The front wall of the vagina supports the bladder, and the muscles in this area are generally the first to weaken, as they can no longer support the pressure of the bladder as it fills with urine. This can can cause a prolapsed bladder, which means the bladder begins descending into the vagina, causing problems with urination that can be painful as well as inconvenient. One of the most inconvenient side effects of a prolapsed bladder is stress incontinence, which is when urine leaks from the body during sneezing, coughing or physical exertions.
How Serious is a Prolapsed Bladder?
The condition is assigned a grade by how far the bladder descends into the vagina:
- Grade 1: (mild) Only a small portion of the bladder enters the vagina.
- Grade 2: (moderate) The bladder descends far enough to reach the vaginal opening.
- Grade 3: (severe) The bladder protrudes from the body through the vaginal opening.
- Grade 4: (complete) The entire bladder protrudes through the vagina, a condition that can combine with the prolapse of other pelvic organs.
How is a Prolapsed Bladder Treated?
Depending on the severity of the condition, there are several treatment options available.
If the prolapse is mild, recommended treatment includes the insertion of a pessary, which is a device that is placed inside the vagina to hold the bladder in place. This device must be removed and cleaned periodically, and can usually be done by the woman herself. Hormone replacement treatments might also be an option to help prevent infection and further muscle weakening. If the prolapse worsens, reducing activities such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercising may help, and performing Kegel exercises can also strengthen muscles.
When the prolapse is severe or complete, surgery must be performed in order to return the bladder to its correct position. An incision is made in the vaginal wall, repositioning the bladder and strengthening the wall with vaginal mesh. The mesh implant strengthens the vaginal wall and helps keep the bladder in place, eliminating the difficulties caused by the prolapse.
Women Should Approach Surgical Treatment with Caution
Until recently, vaginal mesh surgery was a lifesaver for many women, but word of complications began to surface after some patients began experiencing painful side effects from the mesh implants. Side effects include pain, swelling and the inability to have sex or perform routine movements, as the body rejects the material the mesh is made of. Between 2008 and 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received over 1,500 reports of injury, malfunction or deaths associated with vaginal mesh, particularly the Gynecare Prolift mesh, manufactured and sold by Johnson & Johnson.
The Rottenstein Law Group Can Help Women Injured by Vaginal Mesh
If you or someone you know has had surgery for a prolapsed bladder or another type of pelvic surgery that involved the implantation of surgical mesh, and is experiencing symptoms consistent with malfunction, seek medical attention immediately. The next step is to contact a qualified personal injury attorney to see whether you or the person you know has grounds to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit.
The attorneys at the Rottenstein Law Group have over 25 years of experience advocating for victims of dangerous drugs and defective medical devices, as well as other products liability claims. RLG is offering free, confidential legal consultations, and all you need to do is click on this link or call this number, 1-888-419-9511, and one of our vaginal mesh attorneys will call you as soon as possible.
