1. How long does the surgery take to perform?

Typically, the procedure lasts between 45 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. If the surgeon is also performing a hysterectomy or incontinence surgery, the time may increase. It is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia. Most patients recover in the surgical suite for a few hours before moving to a private room. Our general surgery protocols ensure maximum safety during every minute of the operation.

2. What is the success rate of cystocele surgery?

The success rate is generally reported between 85% and 90% for symptom relief. According to studies from Harvard University, the long-term durability depends on tissue quality and lifestyle. Avoiding heavy lifting after surgery is crucial for maintaining the repair. Many women find that their quality of life improves significantly within three months. We recommend following a strict post-op plan provided by your attending physician to ensure these high success rates.

3. Will I need a mesh for my cystocele repair?

Not everyone needs a mesh. Many repairs use your own tissues, known as native tissue repair. However, if your tissues are very weak, a surgeon might suggest a synthetic or biologic mesh. This decision is based on the latest guidelines from the Johns Hopkins University medical literature. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of mesh during your FAQ session or initial meeting. We prioritize the safest and most effective methods for our patients.

4. How long is the recovery period before returning to work?

Most women can return to light desk work within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if your job involves standing or lifting, you might need 6 weeks of rest. During the first few weeks, you should avoid driving and strenuous activity. Walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots. Our support team at WMedTour can help you plan your time off effectively. Always listen to your body and follow your doctor’s specific timeline.

5. Does insurance cover cystocele surgery?

In many cases, yes, because it is a medical necessity rather than a cosmetic procedure. However, international travel for surgery often requires out-of-pocket payment. The good news is that our pricing experts can help you find a package that fits your budget. Even without insurance, the costs in Turkey or Iran are often lower than a co-pay in the US. We provide transparent billing so you know exactly what you are paying for.

6. Can a cystocele come back after surgery?

There is a 10% to 30% chance of recurrence over a lifetime. This risk is higher if you have chronic constipation or continue heavy lifting. Maintaining a healthy weight and doing pelvic floor exercises can help prevent a relapse. If a recurrence happens, we offer urological surgery consultations to explore secondary options. Our surgeons use the most advanced techniques to minimize the risk of the prolapse returning.

7. Will surgery affect my sex life?

This is a very common and important question — and the honest answer is:

Cystocele (bladder prolapse) surgery usually improves sex life rather than harms it, especially when symptoms were causing discomfort or embarrassment before treatment. However, outcomes depend on the type of surgery, healing time, and communication with your surgeon.

Here’s a clear, reassuring breakdown 👇

✅ How Cystocele Surgery Can Improve Sex Life

Many women report better sexual comfort after surgery because it can:

• Remove the vaginal bulge that causes discomfort or self-consciousness
• Reduce pelvic pressure and pain during intercourse
• Improve bladder control, lowering anxiety about leakage
• Restore vaginal support and confidence

Studies show that most patients experience stable or improved sexual satisfaction after successful prolapse repair.

⏳ Temporary Changes During Recovery (Normal)

After surgery, it’s normal to have:

• Temporary vaginal soreness or tightness
• Mild dryness during healing
• Reduced libido while your body recovers

👉 Sex is usually avoided for 6–8 weeks to allow proper healing. After this period, most women can resume normal sexual activity comfortably.

⚠️ Possible Risks (Uncommon but Important to Know)

In a small number of cases, women may experience:

• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Scar-related tightness
• Changes in vaginal sensation

These risks are much lower when:

• Surgery is done by an experienced pelvic floor surgeon
• Modern, native tissue (mesh-free) techniques are used
• Proper pelvic floor rehabilitation is followed

🩺 What You Can Do to Protect Your Sexual Health

Before surgery, ask your surgeon:

1. Will this procedure change vaginal length or tightness?
2. Are uterus-sparing and mesh-free options available?
3. What can I do to optimize healing and comfort after surgery?

After surgery:

• Follow recovery guidelines strictly
• Consider pelvic floor physiotherapy if recommended
• Use vaginal estrogen or lubricants if advised by your doctor

🌸 Emotional & Relationship Benefits

Many women report:

• Increased confidence
• Reduced anxiety about intimacy
• Better communication with partners
• Improved overall quality of life

✅ Bottom line

Cystocele surgery is unlikely to harm your sex life — and for most women, it improves it.
Choosing the right surgeon, technique, and allowing proper healing are key.

8. Is the surgery painful?

You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything. Afterward, you may experience some pelvic pressure or mild discomfort. Doctors typically prescribe oral pain medication for the first few days. Most patients find the pain is much less than they anticipated. Our anesthesia team ensures your pain management is personalized. Staying ahead of the discomfort with scheduled meds is key.

9. What happens if I don’t treat a cystocele?

If a cystocele (bladder prolapse) is not treated, it usually doesn’t go away on its own and may slowly worsen over time—especially with aging, repeated lifting, chronic coughing, or future pregnancies. The impact varies by severity, but untreated cystocele can affect urinary health, daily comfort, and quality of life.

Here’s what can happen if cystocele is left untreated 👇

⚠️ Progressive Worsening of Symptoms

A mild cystocele may start with little discomfort, but over time you may experience:

• Increasing pelvic pressure or heaviness
• A bulge or tissue protruding from the vagina
• Worsening discomfort when standing, lifting, or at day’s end
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse

🚻 Urinary Problems Can Increase

As the bladder drops further, urinary issues often become more noticeable:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty
• Frequent urination or urgency
• Stress urinary incontinence (leakage when coughing or sneezing)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to retained urine

🦠 Higher Risk of Infections and Complications

Untreated cystocele can lead to:

• Repeated UTIs
• Bladder irritation and inflammation
• In severe cases, skin breakdown or ulcers on exposed vaginal tissue

😣 Daily Life & Emotional Impact

Over time, symptoms may interfere with:

• Physical activity and exercise
• Work and household tasks
• Sexual confidence and intimacy
• Emotional well-being and self-esteem

Many women delay treatment due to embarrassment, which can allow the condition to progress unnecessarily.

🩺 Can Cystocele Become Dangerous?

Cystocele is not life-threatening, but severe untreated cases can cause:

• Chronic urinary retention
• Kidney stress (rare, but possible if urine flow is significantly blocked)
• Significant reduction in quality of life

⏳ When Treatment Becomes More Complex

Early-stage cystocele may respond well to:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Lifestyle changes
• Pessary use

If ignored and allowed to worsen, treatment may later require more extensive surgery instead of conservative options.

🌍 A Note for Women Considering Future Pregnancy

• Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can worsen an untreated cystocele
• Early evaluation helps plan fertility-conscious management

✅ Bottom line

Not treating a cystocele can lead to worsening symptoms, urinary problems, infections, and daily discomfort.
Early evaluation allows simpler, less invasive treatment and better long-term outcomes.

10. Can I have this surgery if I still want children?

Yes — you can have gynecological surgery and still want children, but it depends on the type of condition, the specific surgery, and how it’s performed. Many gynecological procedures today are designed to preserve fertility, especially for women who plan future pregnancies.

Below is a clear, patient-friendly breakdown 👇

✅ Gynecological Surgeries That Can Preserve Fertility

If you still want children, doctors usually prioritize fertility-sparing options such as:

🔹 Fibroid Surgery (Myomectomy)

• Removes fibroids while keeping the uterus
• Very common for women planning pregnancy
• Can improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes

🔹 Ovarian Cyst Removal (Cystectomy)

• Removes cysts while preserving healthy ovarian tissue
• Usually does not affect fertility if done carefully

🔹 Endometriosis Surgery

• Can improve fertility by removing endometrial lesions
• Often done laparoscopically (minimally invasive)

🔹 Cervical Procedures (e.g., cone biopsy)

• Often fertility-preserving
• Requires close monitoring in future pregnancies

⚠️ Surgeries That Require Special Caution

Some surgeries may affect pregnancy but can still be possible with expert planning:

🔸 Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery (e.g., cystocele, uterine prolapse)

• Traditional repairs are usually recommended after childbearing
• Fertility-preserving or uterus-sparing techniques may be an option in selected cases
• Pregnancy after surgery may increase risk of recurrence

🔸 Uterine Surgery

• May require cesarean delivery in future pregnancies
• Healing time before pregnancy is essential (often 6–12 months)

❌ Surgeries That End Fertility

These are usually recommended only if childbearing is complete:

• Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
• Bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries)

If fertility is a priority, doctors actively try to avoid these procedures unless absolutely necessary.

🩺 Key Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor

Before any gynecological surgery, ask:

1. Will this surgery affect my ability to get pregnant?
2. Are there uterus- or fertility-preserving alternatives?
3. How long should I wait before trying to conceive?
4. Will pregnancy affect the long-term success of the surgery?

🌍 For International Patients

Many women choose treatment abroad to access:

• Fertility-preserving surgical expertise
• Minimally invasive techniques
• Multidisciplinary care (gynecologist + fertility specialist)
• Clear pre-surgery counseling focused on future pregnancy

Platforms like wmedtour.com help patients connect with experienced gynecological surgeons worldwide who understand fertility goals and tailor treatment accordingly.

✅ Bottom line

Wanting children does NOT automatically rule out gynecological surgery.
With the right diagnosis, surgeon, and technique, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after surgery.

11. Are there any scars?

In most cases, gynecological surgery leaves little to no visible scarring, and this depends mainly on the type of procedure and surgical approach used.

🔹 Scarring by Type of Gynecological Surgery

1. Vaginal surgeries (e.g., cystocele repair, uterine prolapse surgery)

• No visible external scars
• Incisions are made inside the vagina
• Most common approach for pelvic organ prolapse surgeries

2. Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery

• Very small scars (usually 0.5–1 cm)
• Typically 2–4 tiny incisions on the abdomen
• Scars fade significantly over time

3. Robotic-assisted surgery

• Similar to laparoscopy
• Small, discreet scars with excellent cosmetic outcomes

4. Open (abdominal) surgery

• One larger incision on the lower abdomen
• Used only when minimally invasive options are not suitable
• Scar visibility depends on healing and surgical technique

🔹 Can Scars Be Minimized?

Yes. Scar appearance is influenced by:

• Surgeon’s experience
• Surgical technique
• Post-operative wound care
• Individual healing and skin type

Modern gynecological surgery strongly favors scar-minimizing techniques, especially for international patients concerned about recovery and appearance.

✅ Key Takeaway

For most gynecological procedures—especially pelvic organ prolapse and cystocele surgery—external scarring is minimal or nonexistent, making these surgeries both medically effective and cosmetically discreet.

 Our skin care experts can even advise on scar management.

12. How do I start the process with WMedTour?

The first step is to contact us through our online form. You will be assigned a personal health coordinator. They will ask for your medical records and help schedule a tele-consult. From there, we build your custom itinerary. We take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on healing. Your journey to a better life is just one click away.