Prolapse Dysfunction: Rectocele Prolapse

Rectocele Prolapse


Rectocele is a herniation of the tissue wall between the vagina
and the rectum. Over time, this tissue wall - also known as the
rectovaginal septum - can become weakened resulting in a pelvic
organ hernia or pelvic organ prolapse. In this article we will
discuss what a rectocele is, what the symptoms are, and how it
can be treated.


What is a Prolapsed Rectocele?


A rectocele is a herniation, prolapse, or weakening of the
rectovagianl septum (tissue wall between the rectum and the
vagina). Rectocele is also commonly known as a posterior vaginal
prolapse or a proctocele. This can occur as an isolated injury or
gradual weakening of the tissues, or occur as a result of
prolonged pelvic floor dysfunction. When the pelvic floor is
weakened along with the ligaments and tissues between the vagina
and the rectum, it can cause the vaginal and rectal walls to
weaken and bulge leading very painful symptoms and other pelvic
organ related issues. In severe cases, the vaginal or rectal
walls can bulge and protrude from the vaginal opening.


Other types of Pelvic Floor Prolapse


There are several other types of pelvic organ prolapse that may
present themselves in similar ways as rectocele:


Cystocele, or anterior vaginal prolapse: occurs when a
woman's bladder bulges into the vaginal wall

Uterine prolapse: occurs when the uterine walls become
weakened or unsupported and the uterus bulges into the vaginal
wall.

Rectal prolapse: occurs when the rectal wall is weakened and
protrudes through the anus

Vault prolapse: occurs when the vaginal vault (top of
the vagina) bulges.



Pelvic prolapses can vary greatly in their severity and at times,
different types may occur simultaneously.


What is the Main Cause for a Rectocele?


Although the exact cause of a rectocele is unknown, it is most
commonly a result of a weakened pelvic floor and often goes hand
in hand with excess pelvic pressure and intra abdominal pressure.
A woman's pelvic floor can become weak after undergoing
physically traumatic experiences such as: childbirth through
vaginal delivery, difficulties with vaginal childbirth (if
forceps or a vacuum were used, vaginal tearing, or an
episiotomy). It is common for women to experience some form of
pelvic floor or core weakness related issue postpartum. However,
women who have never been pregnant can still develop a rectocele.


Other Causes of Rectocele


There are several other factors that may lead someone to develop
a rectocele. Posterior pelvic organ prolapse can occur as a
result of increased, intra-abdominal pressure. Outside of
pregnancy, other causes of rectocele and increased pelvic
pressure include:


Chronic constipation

Straining, difficulty in performing bowel movements

Chronic cough, pneumonia, or bronchitis

Hysterectomy

Pelvic region surgery

Improper heavy lifting techniques

Obesity

Age