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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A rectocele occurs when the thin wall of fibrous tissue (fascia) separating the rectum from the vagina becomes weakened, allowing the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina.
Childbirth and other processes that put pressure on the fascia can lead to a rectocele. A small rectocele may cause no signs or symptoms. If a rectocele is large, it may create a noticeable bulge of tissue through the vaginal opening. Though this bulge may be uncomfortable, it's rarely painful.
When treatment of a rectocele is necessary, self-care measures and other nonsurgical options are often effective. In severe cases, you may need surgical repair.
- Park AJ, et al. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and nonsurgical management of posterior vaginal defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- Tarnay CM. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2390520. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:717.
- Hughes D, et al. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3159899. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- Park AJ, et al. Surgical management of posterior vaginal defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- Cundiff GW, et al. Evaluation and treatment of women with rectocele: Focus on associated defecatory and sexual dysfunction. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2004;104:1403.
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