22/10/2025
🧐Menstrual Cycle and Bladder Prolapse Symptoms (aka: Cystocele)
Believe it or not, I have a stage 1.5 bladder prolapse that was diagnosed by my pelvic floor PT. There are a multitude of reasons that can lead to a prolapse… I’m pretty sure a big part of mine was coughing from both allergies and also having regular bouts with bronchitis since childhood. I say this, because I noticed that around my cycle, the heaviness tends to increase. So I wanted to take a moment and explain why this happens.
Common symptoms of bladder prolapse:
- Feeling of heaviness in lower pelvis
- Frequent urination
- Inability to empty bladder completely
- Leaking
- Urge incontinence (feeling like you still have to go after emptying)
👉Why does our cycle affect prolapse symptoms?
In women who are premenopausal, symptoms can increase leading up to the menstrual cycle for several reasons:
- Hormone fluctuations -> estrogen levels drop and this can create weakness in the tissues that support the bladder and other pelvic floor tissues including ligaments
- The cervix sits lower during menstruation which can lead to feelings of heaviness
- High progesterone levels after ovulation can lead to constipation which can lead to an increase in bearing down to defecate
- As the uterus increases in size it can weigh more, putting more pressure on the bladder itself
- Hormonal fluctuations can increase bladder sensitivity, leading to a more frequent or urgent need to urinate, which can be more bothersome when the pelvic floor is already compromised.
- I noticed with mine that my PF gets more hypertonic around my cycle which can also exacerbate prolapse symptoms
👉What can you do to support yourself during these days?
- Avoid extra heavy lifting and high intensity workouts as this puts more stress on the pelvic floor muscles
- Continue to do the pelvic yoga postures to support the overall health of the pelvic floor -> breathing into pelvis, lifting in supine positions (laying on your back or side lying), mobility and poses that support hypertension
- Be proactive about dietary changes and if you notice your digestion slowing down, address it right away to avoid constipation
- Don’t stress about it! I know that’s hard but stress makes everything worse. Just take note and try not to let emotions take over. It will pass!
- Be mindful of your posture.
- Try to avoid things that can further irritate the bladder like high amounts of caffeine, sparkling drinks, acidic beverages, teas can be irritating
Hope you found this helpful! Share if you are so inclined so other women can become aware of these things. If you are interested in the 7 day trial, drop “TRIAL” below and I’ll shoot you the info
