Rectocele
Symptoms, assessment, options and preparation for your visit.
Illustrative imageA bulge of the rectum into the back vaginal wall is called a rectocele. Vaginal pressure and difficult bowel emptying may occur. Not every emptying problem is caused by a rectocele.
Symptoms and starting the conversation
When symptoms started, how often they recur and their effect on everyday life matter. The examples below are topics you can discuss; they do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
- Fullness in the back vaginal wall
- Difficulty emptying the bowel
- Constipation and incomplete emptying
How is assessment approached?
Bowel habits, constipation, childbirth and surgical history are considered alongside examination. Coexisting uterine or bladder prolapse can affect assessment and treatment planning.
Which options are discussed?
Constipation management and appropriate pelvic floor support matter. Persistent symptoms may lead to discussion of surgery; anatomical repair does not guarantee resolution of every bowel symptom.
Risks, limitations and follow-up
Discuss care requirements and limitations as well as expected benefits. Pessaries require suitability assessment and follow-up. Surgical counselling includes bleeding, infection, new or persistent urinary symptoms, pain and possible recurrence. Outcomes should not be promised without relating symptoms to examination findings.
Preparing for your visit
Note when symptoms started, their triggers and their effect on your life. Bring available examination or operation reports and a medication list. Prepare questions about options, the purpose of tests, benefits and risks. Do not enter health records into appointment or contact forms.
Bowel symptoms may have more than one cause
Rectocele affects support between bowel and vagina and may accompany constipation or difficult emptying. Not all constipation is mechanical prolapse; straining, stool consistency and muscle relaxation can contribute.
Posterior repair cannot guarantee resolution of every bowel symptom. Addressing constipation and discussing possible painful sex are important before surgery. Blood in stool or an unexplained change requires separate assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is rectocele the only cause of constipation?
No. Bowel habits, medication and other functional concerns may contribute. The relationship between the rectocele and symptoms needs assessment.
Can I diagnose myself using this page?
No. Similar symptoms may have different causes. This information helps you prepare for consultation; individual diagnosis and care require assessment.
Make your plan clear.
- Describe how pressure or a bulge changes through the day.
- Ask how observation, support devices and surgery differ for you.
- Discuss an individual plan for daily activities and follow-up.
Follow-up, care and return to everyday activities depend on assessment and the approach chosen. Before leaving, clarify the next step and how to contact the clinic.
Prepare your own list.
Select topics, write your notes in the fields below and download your personal preparation list as a PDF.
Your notes stay on this page; they are not sent to the clinic or saved. They are cleared when you close the page. The PDF may contain personal information; keep it on your own device.