At my six-week postpartum checkup after the birth of my second child, my midwife conducted her examination with a smile and informed me that I had developed a rectocele. I could tell by my puzzled expression that she needed to clarify. She explained it straightforwardly: “It’s when your rectum pushes against your vaginal wall, especially noticeable during constipation.”
Great, just what I needed to hear! She reassured me that my rectocele was mild and likely resulted from childbirth—let’s just say delivering my second baby was quite the endeavor. Strengthening my pelvic floor could help reposition my rectum, but to be honest, I didn’t think much about it in the chaos of raising young children. I did some Kegels when I remembered and hoped for the best.
Fast forward a few years, and as I approach my 40s, I’ve noticed that my rectocele has become more bothersome. I’ll spare you the graphic details, but at times it feels quite uncomfortable, almost as if my rectum is intruding on my vaginal space (don’t worry, it’s not literally!). This prompted me to research rectoceles further and see if there were any remedies to alleviate my symptoms. Surprisingly, about 40% of women experience rectoceles, though the severity can vary significantly.
You might be thinking, “How can so many women have rectoceles without me ever hearing about them?” According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, many women with rectoceles don’t exhibit noticeable symptoms. Even among those who do, the symptoms are often mild. Common experiences include a feeling of pressure in the vagina during constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, a sensation that you haven’t fully evacuated your bowels, and occasionally needing to assist the process with a finger. Yes, that’s a real recommendation from medical professionals!
Other symptoms can include discomfort during intercourse, vaginal bleeding, and a noticeable bulge within the vagina. In more severe cases, some women may face fecal incontinence or fecal smearing. The root of these issues lies in weakened pelvic muscles, leading to the rectum protruding against the vaginal wall.
To visualize the anatomy involved, consider comparing a healthy vaginal structure to one affected by a rectocele. In the latter case, the rectum has descended, reducing the space between it and the vagina. Unfortunately, similar prolapses can occur with other pelvic organs like the bladder and uterus, often exacerbated by childbirth and aging. Chronic constipation can also contribute to the development of rectoceles, which is frustrating.
If a rectocele is causing discomfort, there are lifestyle adjustments that may help. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a fiber-rich diet and staying hydrated can prevent constipation. It’s advisable to avoid excessive straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, and deep coughing when possible. Remember to do your Kegels diligently! These exercises not only help tone the vagina but also maintain the pelvic floor, which is essential for keeping all pelvic organs in their rightful places. If you’re unsure how to perform Kegels correctly, consider seeking pelvic floor physical therapy, which is a viable option and might even be covered by insurance.
If conservative measures fail and symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be an option. However, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons notes that surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, new onset pain during intercourse, fecal incontinence, and the potential for a rectocele to reoccur or worsen.
On the positive side, initial success rates for surgery range from 75% to 90%, though this drops to 50% to 60% after two years. Ultimately, the choice to pursue surgery is personal and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
In conclusion, rectoceles, much like other pelvic issues such as uterine prolapse, are common among women. The important takeaway is that experiencing a rectocele doesn’t make you an anomaly. There are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. After all, no one wants their rectum and vagina too closely acquainted. For deeper insights into related topics, you might find this resource on pregnancy helpful, and if you’re interested in other aspects of home insemination, check out this post on our blog. Additionally, Make a Mom offers valuable information for couples navigating their fertility journeys.
Summary: Rectoceles, or posterior vaginal prolapse, affect a significant percentage of women, often without severe symptoms. Lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises can alleviate discomfort, while surgery remains an option for persistent cases. Understanding this common issue allows women to take proactive steps towards better pelvic health.