Rectocele Symptoms

Rectocele Symptoms


A woman’s vagina is separated from her rectum by ligaments and
tissues known as the rectovaginal septum. The tissues that line
this wall are called fascia. At times, due to compromised pelvic
health or pelvic injuries, a woman may experience a weakness of
the vaginal wall and rectovaginal septum. When this occurs, a
part of the rectum can bulge and protrude into the vagina. This
is called a rectocele prolapse.


What is Rectocele?


Rectocele is a condition which causes the supportive tissues
between the rectum and the vagina to weaken. This can occur due
to excess pressure in the rectum, excess vaginal pressure, or
excess intra-abdominal pressure leading to pelvic floor issues
such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). When this occurs, the
separating tissues can herniate causing the front wall of the
rectum to bulge into the vagina. This issue is also commonly
called a posterior vaginal prolapse. Oftentimes, the prolapse is
small and does not pose any painful symptoms or difficulties.
However, in severe cases, the bulge may manifest outside of the
vaginal opening and require surgical repair.


Signs and Symptoms of Rectocele


In many cases, someone may have a rectocele for a long period of
time without noticing any symptoms.


In minor to moderate cases of symptomatic rectocele, someone may
experience feelings of mild discomfort, pressure, or minor pain
in the vaginal or rectal regions. This may be accompanied by a
feeling of incompletion after bowel movements.


In moderate to severe cases, women with a rectocele may have an
increased sensation of pain and discomfort in their vagina,
rectum, or abdomen while pooping. This can be a result of the
feces being pushed into the rectocele during a bowel movement.
Women with moderate rectocele run a higher risk of constipation,
painful intercourse, and lower abdominal and lower back pain. In
severe cases, the rectocele can prolapse causing the tissue to
protrude out of the vaginal opening.


Other symptoms of rectocele may include:


A small bulge in the wall of the vagina

Needing assistance of fingers to perform a bowel movement

Pressure in rectum

A feeling like an “air bubble” in the vagina

Pain, discomfort, or feelings of looseness during vaginal
intercourse



Other pelvic organ prolapse issues such as vaginal prolapse,
uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse, or other issues with the
pelvic floor.


Rectocele is a common condition many women may face without ever
knowing it. Most often it is associated with postpartum issues,
but it can affect women who have never been pregnant as well.


If you are experiencing severe issues such as: tissue bulging
through your vaginal opening or constant struggles with
constipation, it may be time to consult your doctor for a proper
diagnosis. Generally a Urogyn is the best bet for diagnosis.