Rectocele, or posterior vaginal wall prolapse, is a condition where the tissue between your rectum and your vagina has weakened, causing your rectum to sag onto your vaginal wall. The rectum is the bottom part of the colon.
For more information about this condition and other gynecological problems, consult the best GYN in Brownsville. Visit us at Women’s Health – Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn NY and talk to our specialists.
The muscles and the ligaments in your pelvis, or the pelvic floor, hold your rectum and your vagina in place to stay in their position. When the pelvic floor weakens, this causes these organs to move or shift and fall onto each other. Rectocele is also a form of pelvic floor prolapse, where one or more pelvic organs drop from their normal position.
Symptoms of Rectocele
Rectocele often develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, when signs do appear, they tend to be more uncomfortable than painful. These symptoms are typically due to the rectum pushing against the weakened vaginal wall, leading to physical changes and functional issues. Common signs and symptoms of rectocele include:
A feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina – Often described as a heaviness or dragging sensation that worsens after standing for long periods or lifting.
A sensation of incomplete bowel emptying – After a bowel movement, you may still feel like you need to go, which can lead to repeated, unproductive trips to the bathroom.
A soft bulge of tissue in the vagina – In some cases, you may notice or feel a bulge inside the vaginal opening, especially when straining or standing.
Frequent urges to have a bowel movement – The sensation of pressure can mimic the feeling of needing to pass stool, even when the rectum is empty.
Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse – This may be due to tissue bulging or decreased muscle tone in the vaginal walls.
A sensation of vaginal looseness or reduced muscle tone – This is common among women who have had multiple vaginal births and can impact quality of life and sexual satisfaction.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis of posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele) can lead to better treatment options and help improve pelvic floor function and overall well-being.
Causes of Rectocele
Rectocele, occurs when the supportive tissue between the vaginal wall and rectum weakens, causing the rectum to bulge into the vaginal space. This condition is most often caused by increased pressure on the pelvic floor, which can result from several lifestyle or medical factors, including:
Obesity – Excess body weight consistently strains pelvic muscles.
Chronic cough or bronchitis – Repeated coughing increases abdominal pressure.
Chronic constipation – Frequent straining during bowel movements weakens pelvic support.
Repeated lifting of heavy objects – Constant lifting can stress and stretch pelvic tissues.
Vaginal childbirth – Especially after multiple deliveries or large babies, the pelvic muscles may not fully recover.
Previous surgeries like hysterectomy – These can disrupt the natural support structures of the pelvic organs.
Treatments for Rectocele
Mild rectoceles can be managed by doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. A vaginal pessary can also be recommended by your medical practitioner. It is a removable device that is inserted into your vagina to support your prolapsed organs. Moderate and severe cases of rectoceles can be treated by a surgical procedure called posterior colporrhaphy. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged tissue that no longer supports your pelvic organs.
Having a prolapsed organ can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. With rectocele, it can also give you a challenging time pooping. Often, organ prolapse can also be managed through lifestyle changes.
At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we provide women with quality healthcare services. Contact the best GYN at Brownsville to help you with your symptoms and condition. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org
