Rectocele

What is a rectocele?

A rectocele occurs when the thin wall of tissue separating the rectum from the vagina weakens, causing a bulge into the vaginal wall. A rectocele is also called a posterior vaginal prolapse.

What are the symptoms of a rectocele?

A minor rectocele (a small prolapse) might not cause any symptoms, but more severe cases can create a noticeable bulge of tissue through the vaginal opening. The bulge can be uncomfortable or even painful in rare cases.

If you have a rectocele, you might experience:

• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Sensation of rectal fullness or pressure
• Feeling like your rectum hasn’t completely emptied following a bowel movement
• Sexual concerns, such as loss of elasticity

Some women with rectocele also have prolapse of other pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder.

What causes a rectocele?

Rectocele typically results from increased or excessive pressure on the pelvic floor and weakened pelvic muscles. Possible causes include:

• Straining with bowel movements
• Chronic constipation
• Bronchitis or chronic cough
• Repeated heavy lifting
• Being obese or overweight
• Pregnancy and childbirth

Dr. Marinescu or Dr. Baker can help you decide the best way to treat your rectocele.

How is a rectocele treated?

To treat rectocele, Dr. Marinescu or Dr. Baker might suggest:

• Specific exercises, such as kegel exercises and yoga
• Drinking plenty of fluids and eating more fiber from healthy foods like fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Controlling coughing
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories

Your provider might suggest a pessary — a rubber or plastic ring gently inserted into your vagina to support bulging tissues. You must remove your pessary regularly for cleaning.

In some cases, your provider might recommend a surgical procedure, such as obliterative or reconstructive surgery. Obliterative surgery involves narrowing or closing off the vagina to support prolapsed organs.

With reconstructive surgery, your surgeon moves your organs back to the original positions and might implant a surgical mesh support to stop the organs from moving. OBGYN CARE is known for providing a perfect anatomical and cosmetic restoration for rectoceles.

The practice provides advanced safe and effective minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci® robotic surgical system. Robot-assisted surgery allows for smaller incisions, less downtime, and a smoother and faster recovery.

If a rectocele is negatively impacting your health, call OBGYN CARE or schedule online.