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What is a Urethral Prolapse?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A urethral prolapse is an uncommon women's health problem in which pressure in the abdomen and groin causes the urethra to bulge out of its opening in the vagina. The condition is usually seen in prepubescent girls and postmenopausal women, and it only rarely happens to a person of reproductive age. A urethral prolapse can be painful and women often experience vaginal bleeding and frequent urges to urinate. Treatment in the form of topical creams and careful hygiene are usually enough to relieve a prolapse, but surgery may be necessary if the condition is persistent and painful.

The female urethra is comprised of two layers of smooth muscle tissue, vascular tissue, and a mucous membrane. Prolapse typically occurs when the two muscle layers separate from one another and can no longer hold the urethra in place under normal intra-abdominal pressure. When prolapse happens in postmenopausal women, the cause is usually a natural weakening of smooth muscle tissue. Any additional pressure from coughing or constipation can cause the urethra to bulge outward.

Individuals with a urethral prolapse may experience frequent urges to urinate.
Individuals with a urethral prolapse may experience frequent urges to urinate.

Urethral prolapse in a prepubescent girl may be related to a congenital defect of the urethra or vaginal opening. Inherited connective tissue disorders and malnutrition can also cause smooth muscle to be weaker than normal or not attached together correctly. Trauma to the vagina rarely causes urethral problems, but prolapse has been noted after instances of sexual abuse. As with older women, conditions that raise intra-abdominal pressure in a young girl makes urethral bulging more likely.

Doctors may recommend daily warm baths to women experiencing a urethral prolapse.
Doctors may recommend daily warm baths to women experiencing a urethral prolapse.

Some cases of urethral prolapse do not cause pain and may be barely noticeable to the naked eye. In most instances, however, women and girls can see a visible bulge in the upper part of the vaginal opening. Damaged, inflamed tissue can cause vaginal bleeding, and blood may be visible in the urine. Women and girls often feel frequent urges to urinate and have heavier streams.

Pressure causes the urethra to bulge out of its opening in the vagina during a urethral prolapse.
Pressure causes the urethra to bulge out of its opening in the vagina during a urethral prolapse.

It is essential to visit a physician at the first signs of prolapse to prevent potentially serious complications. Left untreated, bulging tissue can become strangulated by the urethral opening, cutting off blood flow. The tissue can start to die when it is robbed of its blood supply, a condition called necrosis. The risk of serious infections and spreading necrosis are high when medical care is not sought.

Pain relievers and prescription antibiotic ointment can be used to treat a urethral prolapse in the early stages.
Pain relievers and prescription antibiotic ointment can be used to treat a urethral prolapse in the early stages.

A urologist or pediatric specialist can diagnose a urethral prolapse by inspecting the bulge and testing urine samples for the presence of blood. When a prolapse is discovered in its early stages, a patient can usually recover by taking pain relievers and applying a prescription antibiotic ointment. Doctors also encourage good personal hygiene and suggest taking daily warm baths until symptoms resolve. Very large, persistent bulges can be removed surgically, but procedures are only considered when necrosis is likely or conservative treatments do not resolve symptoms after about one month.

Discussion Comments

meandcoffee

I had a prolapsed bladder. I was having awful symptoms like going to the bathroom a lot and having to wear a thick pad to catch accidents. I was so happy after the procedure, my problems are now gone.

mandydances

My mother went to the doctor and he told her that she has bladder prolapse. She had 3 children and he said that this type of problem is common in women who have had children. She will have to have surgery to correct it.

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    • Individuals with a urethral prolapse may experience frequent urges to urinate.
      By: Chatchai
      Individuals with a urethral prolapse may experience frequent urges to urinate.
    • Doctors may recommend daily warm baths to women experiencing a urethral prolapse.
      By: Karramba Production
      Doctors may recommend daily warm baths to women experiencing a urethral prolapse.
    • Pressure causes the urethra to bulge out of its opening in the vagina during a urethral prolapse.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Pressure causes the urethra to bulge out of its opening in the vagina during a urethral prolapse.
    • Pain relievers and prescription antibiotic ointment can be used to treat a urethral prolapse in the early stages.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Pain relievers and prescription antibiotic ointment can be used to treat a urethral prolapse in the early stages.
    • When diagnosing a urethral prolapse, urine samples may be tested for the presence of blood.
      By: Rob Byron
      When diagnosing a urethral prolapse, urine samples may be tested for the presence of blood.