Rectocele

Description

A rectocele is a weak spot in the tissue wall which separates the vagina from the rectum. As the wall is weakening, the rectum enters into the vagina through the back wall causing the symptoms. A risk for development of rectocele is increasing with multiple deliveries, chronic constipation, and chronic cough or repeated lifting of heavy objects. Rectocele are most frequently seen in older women who have entered the menopause.

Symptoms

Symptoms involve pain and pressure in the rectum, constipation, lumbar pain and pain during the sexual intercourse.

Overview

Complete anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Diagnosis usually may be set by examination of the pelvis.

Specialists

Gynecology

Therapy

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). Some other may require surgery for supporting the tissue with the stitches or mesh patch. However some are treated by the use of a pessary. The pessary is a device which is inserted into the vagina and is used for support of the surrounding tissue.