ridge-like tissue

Body: 

I have a question. I've been getting better about the kind of checking I do to try to reassure myself. But I have been looking a lot just to try to understand exactly what I'm dealing with here, and comparing to the self-exam in the book, etc.

Here's what's up-- I really hope I explain myself well. If I check my cystocele with a hand mirror while standing, it looks a lot like the self-exam photos. Then I gradually lean forward with the mirror kind of behind me, and sure enough, most of the bulge vanishes as it moves back over my pubic bone. However, I still see (and feel, if I check with my hand) a fibrous ridge of tissue, about the diameter of a finger, very firm, the very front of which feels almost anchored to my pubic bone. I think my urethra passes through this tissue, but I'm not sure because it's harder to see from that angle.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? Is this a normal variation of cystocele? I've heard mention of hymenal scar tissue, which seems logical but I never noticed it before the cystocele. Any thoughts? Thanks.

yeah, sounds familiar ; )
dont' know what it is, am in denial about it. calling it part of the prolapse. guessing its a urethrocele.

I thought urethrocele and cystocele were interchangeable terms?

I refer to the whole thing as my 'cystocele'
but technically speaking
cystocele refers to prolapse of the bladder
urethrocele refers to prolapse of the urethra

they very often happen together, but its entirely possible to have one and not the other.

Hi Rita

It sounds like normal vagina to me. The front wall of the vagina has ridges called rugae. When your bladder is pressing back against the vaginal wall they flatten out, then when the bladder tips forward they go ridgey again. It is probably round like a finger, cos you can feel your urethra through it.

Yes, the bottom of your vaginal canal and vulva is somewhat attached to your pubic bone. Otherwise it *would* all turn inside out like the finger of a rubber glove, and fall out.

This makes sense to me anyway. I hope it is right. You probably haven't felt or seen the rugae for a while because of the cystocele.

Hey, you're normal!!

Cheers

Louise