Urethrocele | |
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Other names | Cystourethrocele |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Gynecology |
A urethrocele is the prolapse of the female urethra into the vagina. Weakening of the tissues that hold the urethra in place may cause it to protrude into the vagina.[3][4] Urethroceles often occur with cystoceles (involving the urinary bladder as well as the urethra).[5] In this case, the term used is cystourethrocele.[6][7]
There are often no symptoms associated with a urethrocele.[3] When present, symptoms include stress incontinence, increased urinary frequency, and urinary retention (difficulty in emptying the bladder).[3][6] Pain during sexual intercourse may also occur.[5]
Where a urethrocele causes difficulty in urinating, this can lead to cystitis.[3]
Urethroceles can often result as a result of damage to the supporting structures of the pelvic floor. Urethroceles can form after treatment for gynecological cancers.[8] Urethroceles are often caused by childbirth, the movement of the baby through the vagina causing damage to the surrounding tissues.[5] When they occur in women who have never had children, they may be the result of a congenital weakness in the tissues of the pelvic floor.[9]
A urethrocele can be treated surgically.[4]