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Rectocele - Rectocele symptom, treatment, causes

Rectocele is due to the downward and forward bulging of the rectum into the back of the vagina, usually because of damage to or weakening of the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs. This can happen in pregnancy and childbirth as well as in postmenopausal women. Rectocele is often associated with CYSTOCElE (prolapse of the bladder into the front of the vagina) and UTERINE PROIAPSE (displacement of the uterus downwards into the vagina). Small rectoceles are contained within the vagina, but larger ones bulge through the vaginal opening to the out side, and are described as third degree rectoceles.

Small rectoceles seldom cause symptoms, but most women with third degree rectoceles are con- scious of a fullness at the vaginal opening that is pushed out further by coughing or sneezing. There may also be problems with passing faeces, such as difficulty getting started or a feeling that the rectum is never completely emptied. Pelvic floor exercises can help to relieve symptoms and prevent worsening, but if the rectocele is third degree or causing symptoms, the problem can be corrected by surgery to tighten the tissues at the back of the vagina that support the rectum.

A rectocele is an abnormal bulging of the rectovaginal septum (which is normally a semi-rigid divider between the rectum and vagina ) into the vaginal area. A rectocele occurs when the rectum pushes the back wall of the vagina forward, causing a prominent bulge into the vagina. Risk factors include difficult childbirth and the use of forceps during delivery but women who have never had children can also develop rectocele. Mild cases may simply produce a sense of pressure or protrusion within the vagina, and the occasional feeling that the rectum has not been completely emptied after a bowel movement. Moderate cases may involve difficulty passing stool (because the attempt to evacuate pushes the stool into the rectocele instead of out through the anus ), discomfort or pain during evacuation or intercourse, constipation , and a general sensation that something is "falling down" or "falling out" within the pelvis. Severe cases may cause vaginal bleeding, intermittent fecal incontinence or even the prolapse of the bulge through the mouth of the vagina, or rectal prolapse through the anus. A rectocele usually results from prior damage to the fascia that causes it to weaken, such as during childbirth or from excessive straining. It's most common after menopause when estrogen which helps keep your pelvic tissues strong decreases. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem, and may include changes in diet (increase in fiber and water intake), pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel exercises , use of stool softeners , hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women, insertion of a pessary into the vagina, and various forms of surgery (usually posterior colporrhaphy - the suturing of vaginal tissue).

A rectocele is a form of pelvic organ prolapse that occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the end of the large intestine (rectum) in place are stretched or weakened. A rectocele occurs when part of the rectum sags into the vagina. Rectoceles occur because weakness in the normal support system between the vagina and the rectum allow the rectum to bulge outward. The skin of the vagina can stretch very much, which is why these bulges can sometimes be seen or felt well beyond the opening of the vagina. 

Causes of Rectocele

The common Causes of Rectocele :

• Vaginal (normal) childbirth.
• Chronic constipation.
• Advancing age, as older women are more prone to rectocele.
• Pelvic surgery.
• Straining to pass bowel motions.
• Tearing during childbirth, particularly if the tear extended from the vagina to the anus.
• Hysterectomy .

Symptoms of Rectocele

Some common Symptoms of Rectocele :

• Pain or pressure in the vagina.
• Difficult passage of stool.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pelvic pressure in the rectal area .
• Incontinence especially after having a bowel movement.
• Feeling of tissue bulging out of vagina .
• Protrusion of the lower part of the vagina through the opening of the vagina.

Treatment of Rectocele

• Surgical repair may be necessary. In some cases the uterus may need to be taken out (a hysterectomy) to prevent recurrence. Surgery is usually very effective and will be a lasting cure as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.
• Splinting, which is inserting a tampon or two fingers inside the vagina and pushing back.
• Treating a chronic cough or bronchitis.
• Not smoking.
• Doing Kegel exercises, especially after you have a baby.
• Avoiding too much weight gain
• Avoid prolonged straining. If the bowels will not completely empty after a bowel movement, get up and return later. A pessary (a ring that is inserted in the vagina) may be used to assist in supporting pelvic organs.