Rectocele

A rectocele occurs when the thin wall of tissue that separates the rectum from the vagina weakens, allowing the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina. While a woman with a small rectocele may experience no symptoms, in moderate to severe cases, this condition can cause significant discomfort along with constipation, rectal pressure and an inability to fully empty the rectum. Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes of rectocele because the tissues that support the vagina naturally become stretched and weakened during pregnancy, labor and delivery. The more pregnancies that a woman has had, the higher the chance she will develop a rectocele. Your doctor can discuss with you both nonsurgical and surgical options for managing a rectocele, including the potential of placing a pessary device that can support the bulging tissues.