A cystocele is best described as which of the following?

• A. Protrusion of the bladder through the anterior vaginal wall causing urinary incontinence.
• B. Protrusion of the uterus into the vagina.
• C. Rectal prolapse.
• D. Prolapse of the small intestine into vaginal canal.

Answer: (A)

A cystocele occurs when the bladder herniates into the anterior vaginal wall, usually due to weakening of the pelvic floor. This can manifest as a vaginal bulge and often leads to urinary symptoms such as leakage with increased abdominal pressure (stress incontinence).

This is different from a uterine prolapse, where the uterus itself protrudes into the vaginal canal; a rectal prolapse involves prolapse of the rectum through the vaginal opening or anal canal; and an enterocele refers to prolapse of the small intestine into the vaginal canal, typically into the posterior vaginal wall. Therefore, the description matching a cystocele is the bladder protruding through the anterior vaginal wall with possible urinary incontinence.