What Is the Treatment for a Fallen Bladder?

There are a few treatment options a person may have when it comes to treating a fallen bladder, which typically affects female patients. In some cases, the symptoms of this condition are so mild that a woman might choose to refuse treatment. If the symptoms of this condition are troublesome, however, a doctor may recommend the placement of a device in the vagina. When a person has a severe case of this condition, surgery is often a more reliable treatment. Additionally, some doctors may recommend trying electrical stimulation or hormone therapy in order to help strengthen the vital muscles of the pelvic floor.

One of the most common treatments for a fallen bladder is referred to as a pessary. This is a medical device a doctor places into a patient's vagina to hold the bladder in its proper place. A pessary does not remain in place permanently, however. Instead, it is usually removed and cleaned periodically. With many types of pessaries, a patient can take care of this maintenance on her own. In some cases, however, doctors have to remove and clean the devices for their patients.

When a person has a severe case of fallen bladder, a doctor may recommend surgery to treat it. In such a case, a surgeon often uses surgical tools to access the bladder through the patient's vaginal wall. The surgeon then repositions the bladder and takes steps to secure it in place. Once secured, he works to strengthen the area responsible for supporting the bladder.

Electrical stimulation may also prove helpful for treating patients who have this condition. This treatment targets muscles of the vagina and pelvis via probes that are attached to them. Electrical current is delivered to these muscles via the probes, which has the effect of contracting the affected muscles. The idea with this type of treatment is that contracting these muscles will eventually strengthen them, reducing the effects of fallen bladder and preventing further movement of the organ.

Hormone therapy is another option for treatment. Typically, this treatment is most helpful for women who are menopausal or approaching menopause. Often, women in this stage of life have dropping levels of the hormone estrogen, which plays an important role in keeping the vaginal muscles strong and in good shape. In such women, estrogen therapy may help treat fallen bladder conditions by strengthening these muscles once more.