At my six-week postpartum checkup following the birth of my second child, my midwife examined me and casually mentioned that I had developed a condition known as a rectocele. Not quite understanding the term, I listened as she explained, “It’s when your rectum gets pushed against your vaginal wall. You’ll really notice it when you’re constipated.”
Fantastic, right? Just what I needed.
My midwife reassured me that my rectocele was minor and likely a result of childbirth—given the chaotic experience of delivering my second child. She suggested that by strengthening my pelvic floor muscles, I could help reposition my rectum. Okay, I thought.
Honestly, I didn’t give it much thought for a couple of years, caught up in the whirlwind of raising young children. I was simply relieved that it didn’t seem too serious and wouldn’t majorly affect my life. I occasionally did my Kegel exercises and hoped for the best.
Fast forward a few years, and as I approach the big 4-0, I’ve started to notice that the rectocele is becoming more bothersome. I won’t delve into graphic personal details, but let’s just say it sometimes feels as if my rectum has taken up residence in my vagina (rest assured, it hasn’t!).
Determined to understand rectoceles better, I discovered that around 40% of women experience this condition, although symptoms can greatly vary. You might be thinking, “Wait, 40%? I’ve never even heard of this!” Well, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, many women with rectoceles are asymptomatic. Among those who do have symptoms, they are often mild.
Common signs include increased vaginal pressure during constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, sensations of incomplete evacuation, and sometimes even needing to help with a finger to facilitate bowel movements (yes, this is medically acknowledged!). Other symptoms can include discomfort during intercourse, vaginal bleeding, or a noticeable bulge in the vagina. In more severe cases, issues like fecal incontinence may arise.
These conditions stem from weakened pelvic muscles and a prolapse of the rectum pressing against the vaginal wall. For those who wish to visualize it, comparing a normal vagina to one with a rectal prolapse can be quite illuminating. In the latter, the rectum appears to have descended, leaving less space between it and the vagina. Unfortunately, similar prolapses can affect adjacent organs like the bladder and uterus, often exacerbated by childbirth and aging. Chronic constipation can also contribute to the development of rectoceles.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do if you’re experiencing discomfort from a rectocele? The Mayo Clinic suggests several lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. Focus on a diet rich in fiber and stay hydrated to prevent constipation. Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, and try to minimize deep coughing when possible. And don’t forget those Kegels! These exercises not only tone the vaginal muscles but help maintain pelvic organ positioning. If you’re uncertain about performing Kegels correctly, consider seeking pelvic floor physical therapy, which can be covered by insurance in some cases.
If symptoms continue despite your efforts, surgical options are available. However, as per the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and new issues like pain during intercourse. The success rate is initially promising, with 75–90% of patients reporting improvement, but this drops to about 50–60% after two years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while rectoceles are a common aspect of womanhood—much like “mommy bladder” and uterine prolapse—there’s no need to feel alone. Many women experience this, and there are manageable solutions available, ensuring you won’t have to live uncomfortably with your rectum and vagina in too close proximity. We all deserve to feel strong and healthy.
For further information on related topics, you might find this article on home insemination interesting. Additionally, if you’re exploring fertility options, this resource from Johns Hopkins Medicine is excellent. For those seeking more insights into their journeys, check out this story on finding a new path.