Rectocele - Medtick
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Rectocele

What is it?

This is where the wall of the rectum (fascia) becomes weak and moves/bulges towards and press against the vagina wall.

  • This occurs because the lower part of the intestines to move from its fixed position (normally towards the outside the anus in the rectum called rectum prolapse).
  • Rectoceles are more commonly seen in females who have entered menopause.
  • Small rectocele [if it bulges less than 2 centimetres (less than 1 inch) into the vagina]  normally cause no symptoms , it is only when they become larger over time do symptoms develop.

Cause

Female:

  • Wall is damaged during birth normally multiple deliveries i.e. more than two or three children
  • Activity that puts pressure on the pelvic floor

Treatments

  • Trauma from vaginal delivery (i.e. the use of forceps or vacuum during delivery, tearing)
  • Episiotomy -which is a surgical cut in the muscular area between the vagina and the anus made just before delivery
  • Gynaecological (e.g. hysterectomy) or rectal surgeries

Symptoms

  • One find passing stools difficult (can be painful) and constipated?
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement?
  • Stool getting stuck in the bulge of the rectum?
  • Urge to have multiple bowel movements throughout the day?
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse?
  • A feeling that the rectum has not emptied completely after a bowel movement?
  • A sensation of rectal pressure?
  • Rectal pain?
  • Difficulty controlling the passage of stool and/or gas from the rectum?
  • Low back pain that is relieved by lying down?
  • Back pain may worsen as the day goes on and is more severe in the evening?

Female:

  • Bulge of tissue protruding through the vaginal opening?
  • Vaginal bleeding?
  • Sense of fullness in the vagina?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can exist with:

  • Vaginal prolapse
  • Cystocele (one has an abnormal bulging of the bladder through a weakness in the vaginal wall)
  • Enterocele (when the lower end of  the small intestine pushes on the top part of the vagina)

General tips

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Rectocele in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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