What is a Rectocele?

A rectocele happens when the wall of tissue between a woman’s rectum and vagina gets weak. This wall is usually held up by the muscles and bands in the pelvic area.

When this support gets weaker, the front wall of the rectum starts to droop and push into the vagina. In serious cases, the bulge can reach or come out of the vaginal opening.

Important to know:

A rectocele is not the same as rectal prolapse.

  • Rectocele: Rectum bulges into the vagina
  • Rectal prolapse: Rectum protrudes through the anal opening

What Causes a Rectocele?

Rectocele usually happens because of ongoing pressure on the muscles in the pelvic area.

Common causes and risk factors include:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth, especially multiple vaginal deliveries
  • Tearing or a cut made during delivery
  • Aging and menopause
  • Chronic constipation and repeated straining
  • Obesity
  • Ongoing cough or having bronchitis for a long time

What Are the Symptoms of Rectocele?

Some women may not notice any symptoms. Others may experience:

  • Feeling of pressure or heaviness in the vagina
  • Sensation that something is falling out of the vagina
  • Rectal pressure or fullness
  • Feeling that stool is stuck in the rectum
  • Difficulty passing stools
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • A soft bulge felt inside the vagina or visible outside

Sometimes, rectocele can happen along with bulging of nearby organs like the bladder or uterus.

How Is Rectocele Diagnosed?

During your visit, the doctor will:

  • Ask about your symptoms
  • Review your medical history
  • Do a pelvic exam to check how big the bulge is and how serious it is

In rare cases, tests like ultrasound or MRI may be suggested to look at the problem more closely.

How Is Rectocele Treated?

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how much they affect daily life.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Mild cases can often be managed with:

  • Exercises to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area (Kegel exercises)
  • Bowel training to avoid straining
  • A vaginal pessary, which is a removable device placed in the vagina to give support

What Is Rectocele Repair Surgery?

If symptoms do not improve with non-surgical methods, surgery may be recommended.

The goal of rectocele repair is to make the wall between the rectum and vagina stronger.

  • The surgery is done through the vagina
  • An incision is made in the back wall of the vagina
  • The weak tissues are stitched and pulled tighter to give better support
  • Surgical mesh or added tissue is usually not used, since they do not help more

This is a simple surgery that does not leave scars on the outside.

What Can I Expect If I Have a Rectocele?

Your outcome depends on:

  • Severity of the prolapse
  • Symptoms
  • Type of treatment chosen

Most women who undergo rectocele repair surgery experience good symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Always discuss your individual outlook with your healthcare provider.

What Happens If Rectocele Is Not Treated?

If left untreated:

  • The prolapse may worsen over time
  • Symptoms may become more uncomfortable
  • Daily activities and bowel movements may be affected

Can Rectocele Be Prevented?

Rectocele cannot always be prevented, but the risk can be reduced by:

  • Doing pelvic floor exercises regularly
  • Avoiding constipation and straining
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Treating chronic cough early

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Rectocele treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Rectocele treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists and pelvic floor specialists, known as some of the best doctors for women’s pelvic health care. We provide accurate diagnosis with clinical evaluation and imaging, personalized medical management, pelvic floor therapy, and surgical treatment when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Rectocele in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Rectocele treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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