Urethrocele Health Dictionary

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Urethrocele: From 3 Different Sources

An anatomical abnormality in females caused by a weakness in the tissues in the front wall of the vagina.

The urethra bulges backwards and downwards into the vagina.

A urethrocele may be congenital but more commonly develops after childbirth.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
PROLAPSE of the URETHRA into the wall of the VAGINA. The result is a bulbous swelling in the roof of the vagina which is worse when the woman strains to urinate or defaecate, or during childbirth. The condition is usually the consequence of a previous pregnancy. The condition is treated with surgical repair of the slack tissues to strengthen support for the urethra and vaginal wall.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. prolapse of the urethra into the vaginal wall, which may be small and does not cause any symptoms or may cause a bulbous swelling to appear in the vagina, particularly on straining. The condition is associated with previous childbirth. Treatment is not required for small urethroceles, otherwise surgical repair of the lax tissues gives better support to the urethra and the vaginal wall.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Uterus, Prolapse Of

A condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position into the vagina. The degree of prolapse varies from 1st-degree prolapse, in which there is only slight displacement of the uterus, to 3rd-degree prolapse (procidentia), in which the uterus can be seen outside the vulva.

Stretching of the ligaments supporting the uterus (during childbirth, for example) is the most common cause. Prolapse is aggravated by obesity.

There are often no symptoms, but sometimes there is a dragging feeling in the pelvis. Diagnosis is made by physical examination.

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles of the vagina and thus reduce the risk of a prolapse, especially following childbirth. Treatment usually involves surgery (hysterectomy). Rarely, if surgery is not wanted or is not recommended, a plastic ring-shaped pessary may be inserted into the vagina to hold the uterus in position. (See also cystocele; rectocele; urethrocele.)... uterus, prolapse of


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