Via arteries and veins, the kidneys are connected to the body’s vascular (blood) system. Every minute, the kidneys receive about 20% of the heart’s output of blood and filter it. This job is performed by a huge network of structures known as nephrons, which act as filters, regulating the balance of water, salts, and electrolytes. Whatever is not needed is filtered through and eliminated as urine.
The kidneys also:
Regulate blood pressure by secreting the hormone renin and balancing fluids. Remove waste products from the bloodstream and producing urine. Secrete the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production.
The bladder’s main job is to hold urine. As it gets full, you begin to feel the need to urinate. When you urinate, the smooth muscle of the bladder walls contract, releasing the urine.
In women, the bladder sits on top of the front wall of the vagina. As women age, the bladder can fall or slip out of place (cystocele) because the vaginal wall or the surrounding pelvic muscle may sag with time.
Childbirth also loosens the vaginal wall. In some women, the bladder may prolapse, meaning it is no longer supported and falls into the vagina. A prolapsed bladder is also known as cystocele or a fallen bladder. This condition does not affect men, because this is a problem unique to female anatomy.
The rest of the external genitalia is not considered part of the urology anatomy since the other structures—such as the vulva and labia—primarily serve reproductive functions.
A prolapsed bladder can cause incontinence (stress and urge), straining to void, and pelvic pain. In some cases, a prolapsed bladder can cause tissue to extend out of the opening of the vagina.
The condition can be treated with a vaginal pessary—a plastic device that is inserted in the vagina and helps to support the pelvic floor. Or it can be treated with surgical correction of the prolapse by a urologist or urogynecologist.
