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Rectocele
Experience expert, compassionate care for rectocele at GastroDoxs, led by Dr. Scott in Houston. A rectocele develops when the rectum bulges into the vaginal wall, causing discomfort and difficulty passing stool. Discover personalized diagnosis, minimally invasive treatments, and tailored support.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Vaginal birth, especially after multiple deliveries
Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
Age-related weakening of pelvic floor muscles
Lifting heavy objects or obesity
Prior pelvic surgeries (for example, hysterectomy)
Signs and Symptoms
Sensation of pressure or fullness in the vagina
Difficulty passing stool or feeling of incomplete evacuation
Needing to press on the vaginal wall to help with a bowel movement
Lower back or pelvic pain
Occasional rectal bleeding in more severe cases
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Rectocele?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Symptom Review
He asks about vaginal deliveries, history of constipation or straining, past pelvic surgeries, heavy lifting, and your specific symptoms like vaginal pressure or difficulty passing stool.
Pelvic Examination
During a gentle pelvic exam, Dr. Scott palpates the vaginal wall to feel for any bulging and assesses the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.
Imaging and Functional Testing
Defecography - an X-ray or MRI-based study that visualizes the rectum while you simulate a bowel movement to confirm the degree of bulge.
Pelvic MRI - detailed images of the pelvic floor, vaginal wall, and rectum to precisely map the defect.
Additional Assessments (if needed)
In select cases, anorectal manometry evaluates muscle strength and coordination, and endoanal ultrasound offers further detail on tissue layers.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for rectocele.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat more fiber: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
Avoid pushing or straining during bowel movements
Practice pelvic floor exercises with guidance from Dr. Scott
2. Medications
Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium) to soften stool
Stool softeners (e.g., docusate) for easier bowel movements
Vaginal estrogen cream (for postmenopausal women) to strengthen tissue
3. Minimally Invasive and Surgical Procedures
Transvaginal repair: Reinforces the rectovaginal wall with stitches or mesh
Transperineal repair: Access through the perineum when vaginal approach is limited
Laparoscopic repair: Small abdominal incisions to place supportive mesh
Rectocele surgery: For more severe cases or when conservative treatments fail
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rectocele and how does it affect daily life?
A rectocele is when the wall between your rectum and vagina weakens, causing the rectum to bulge into the vaginal canal. It can lead to vaginal pressure, discomfort, and difficulty fully emptying your bowels.
Can I live with a rectocele without treatment?
Mild rectoceles can often be managed with diet changes, fiber supplements, and pelvic floor exercises. However, early care helps prevent progression and improves comfort.
Will a colonoscopy make a rectocele worse?
No. When performed carefully, colonoscopies do not worsen a rectocele. Dr. Scott uses gentle support techniques throughout the procedure.
When is surgery recommended for a rectocele?
Surgery is considered if non-surgical measures-like lifestyle modifications, medications, and pelvic floor therapy-fail to relieve symptoms or if the bulge is severe.
What is the recovery process after rectocele surgery?
Most patients go home the same day or the next day. You'll follow a recovery plan with limited lifting and guided pelvic floor exercises, with full healing in about 4-6 weeks.
How can I prevent a rectocele?
Eat a fiber-rich diet, stay well-hydrated, avoid straining during bowel movements, and perform regular pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to strengthen supportive muscles.
