The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the muscles and tissues that hold the urethra in place get weak or damaged, the urethra can move from its normal position and press against the front wall of the vagina. 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 front wall of the vagina. This is also called anterior vaginal wall prolapse.