General anesthesia usually is used during repair of the bladder and urethra. You may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. You may go home with a catheter in place. You can most likely return to your normal activities in about 6 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or long periods of standing, for the first 3 months, and increase your activity level gradually. Straining or lifting after you have resumed normal activities may cause the problem to recur.

Most people are able to resume sexual intercourse in less than 6 weeks. Urinary function usually returns to normal in 2 to 6 weeks.

Repair of the bladder and urethra is done to help with symptoms such as pressure on the vaginal wall from the movement of those organs, difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, and painful intercourse. If you are experiencing uncontrolled release of urine (urinary incontinence), further testing may be needed to find out what procedure is needed.

Bladder and urethral prolapse often occur with the prolapse of other pelvic organs, so tell your doctor about any other symptoms you have. If your doctor finds a uterine prolapse (Figure 3), rectocele (Figure 4), or small bowel prolapse (enterocele (Figure 5) ) during your routine pelvic examination, that problem can also be repaired during surgery.

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Figure 3 - Uterine prolapse

A uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the uterus in place get weak or damaged. This can cause the uterus to move from its normal position and press down into the vagina.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 4 - Rectocele

A rectocele occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the end of the large intestine (rectum) in place get weak or damaged. This can allow the rectum to move from its normal position and press against the back wall of the vagina. This is also called posterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 5 - Small bowel prolapse (enterocele)

A small bowel prolapse (enterocele) occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the small bowel in place get weak or damaged. This can cause the small bowel to move from its normal position and press against the wall of the vagina.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.