The urethra is the canal that leads from the urinary bladder to allow for urine to be expelled into the environment. In men, the urethra also carries semen, traverses the prostate gland which lies below the bladder and runs through the penis. In women, the urethra is much shorter and terminates just anterior to the vagina.

The urethra is a muscular tube that starts an the bottom of the bladder known as the internal urethral orifice. It is about 20 centimeters long (between 18 to 22 centimeters) in men, whereas in women, the urethra is only 4 centimeters long. The external urethral orifice is where the urethra terminates and in males this is located at the tip of the glans penis. The female urethra terminates in the vestibule between the labia minora, lying between the clitoris and vaginal orifice.

continue reading Urethra (Males, Females) – Anatomy and Parts

Many cases of a fallen bladder in women are asymptomatic meaning that there are no apparent signs or symptoms. This can occur for years despite a mild droop being present and could remain asymptomatic throughout life. It is believed that almost all women who have undergone multiple vaginal deliveries have some degree of a prolapse after menopause but not all are diagnosed since it is asymptomatic or the symptoms are so mild that it is never reported.

A fallen bladder or cystocele is when the urinary bladder fails to remain in its normal position and protrudes through the vaginal wall. This arises when the support structures in the pelvic cavity, namely the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic ligaments, are weakened and stretch. This compromises the support necessary to maintain the various organs in its normal position. Refer to dropped bladder for more information on the causes of a prolapsed bladder.

continue reading Fallen Bladder (Women) – Signs, Symptoms, Grades of Cystocele

A cystocele or prolapsed bladder occurs when the support structures of the pelvic cavity are compromised. The contents of the pelvic cavity cannot maintain its normal anatomical position and herniate into surrounding hollow viscera like the vagina. This is commonly known as a dropped bladder and the process by which this occurs is explained further under fallen bladder in females.

Most weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and the pelvic ligaments occur due to straining and increased pressure within the pelvic cavity. The pelvic floor provides a supportive base for the pelvic contents while the pelvic ligaments hold the organs in its position. Weakening of these structures allows it to stretch so it cannot maintain its function as a means of support. This is known as a pelvic floor disorder.

continue reading Dropped Bladder – Causes and Prevention of Bladder Prolapse

A cystocele is the medical term for a prolapsed bladder, which occurs when the tissues and structures supporting the urinary bladder in its normal anatomical position weakens and stretches. It is a type of hernia where the bladder protrudes into the vaginal wall. A cystocele is also known by common terms like a fallen, drooping or dropped bladder. The terms ‘collapsed bladder‘ or ‘weak bladder‘ is at times used to describe a cystocele but this is incorrect as it denotes a compromised bladder.

A cystocele is more frequently seen in women who have multiple vaginal childbirths and is one of the reasons that some women opt for elective cesarean sections. However, a cystocele can still affect women who have cesarean section deliveries although the risk is less than with vaginal delivery.

continue reading What is a Cystocele? Droopy or Fallen Bladder in Females

Weak bladder is a common term to denote two urinary disorders, either urinary incontinence or frequent urination. Despite the use of the term ‘weak’, there is often no functional disorder of the bladder and successful treatment will lead to normal urinary habits and bladder control. Often the same causative condition can lead to both frequent urination and urinary incontinence and the various causes may differ among males and females. A weak bladder should not be confused with a cystocele where the bladder protrudes into the vagina, commonly known as a droopy or fallen bladder.

continue reading Weak Bladder Causes in Males and Females