Description
A rectocele is an area of weakness in the wall of tissue that separates the vagina from the rectum. As the wall weakens, the rectum bulges into the vagina causing symptoms. The risk of developing a rectocele increases with multiple births, chronic constipation, chronic cough and repetitive heavy lifting. Rectoceles are most common in older women.
Symptoms
Symptoms include rectal pain and pressure, constipation, low back pain and pain during intercourse.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Diagnosis can usually be made on pelvic exam.
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Diagnosis can usually be made on pelvic exam.
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Treatment
Treatment is based on the size of the rectocele and symptoms. Many rectoceles do not require treatment if they are small (less than two centimeters). Others may require surgery to support the tissue with stitches or a mesh. Still, others are treated with the use of a pessary. A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina and used to support the surrounding tissue.