The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the urethra is not well supported by the muscles and tissues around it, it can curve and widen. This is called a urethral prolapse (urethrocele).

It is common for a bladder prolapse (cystocele) to develop along with a urethral prolapse. Both kinds of prolapse can press against the wall of the vagina.