Rectocele Overview
A rectocele will present itself when the fascia—the term used to describe the wall of fibrous tissue that separates the vagina from the rectum—becomes weak, ultimately causing the wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina. This vaginal disorder represents itself similar to a hernia and can occur after a woman experiences strain from pushing during childbirth or from the stress following a hysterectomy. Most typically, however, women who are near or in menopause have a greater chance of developing a rectocele because as a woman ages estrogen will naturally decrease which causes a natural weakening of the pelvic tissue. A rectocele is typically not painful, although it does exist with some discomfort. The condition can be successfully treated with surgery or for milder cases, by conducting exercises to the region at home.