Which term refers to the descent of the bladder into the vaginal canal?

Cystocele refers to the descent of the bladder into the vaginal canal. This condition occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weakens, leading to a bulging of the bladder into the anterior wall of the vagina. This can happen due to factors such as childbirth, aging, obesity, or heavy lifting, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue.

Understanding cystocele is important for recognizing symptoms like pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, or difficulty starting urination, and it highlights the need for proper pelvic support. The management of a cystocele may involve pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, or surgical options, depending on the severity and associated symptoms. In contrast, other terms, such as rectocele, enterocele, and hysterocele, refer to different conditions involving the descent of the rectum, small intestine, and uterus, respectively.