About this topic
Muscles and strong bands of tissues support all the organs in a womans pelvis. Some examples are the bladder, large bowel, and womb. If the muscles and tissues get weak, your organs may drop. When your organs drop, they may bulge in the birth canal or vagina. You may have a full feeling in your vagina. You may also have pain during sex. ‚
A cystocele is when the bladder falls or swells into the vagina. You may have urine leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. You may also not be able to drain the bladder fully. ‚
A rectocele is when the lower part of the large bowel (the rectum) falls or swells into the vagina. You may also have pain or problems passing stool. ‚
What are the causes?
- Giving birth, mostly with vaginal deliveries
- Pelvic surgery
- Menopause
- Being overweight
- Hard stools
- Long-term coughing
- Being born with pelvic problems
- Heavy exercise
- Repeated heavy lifting
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Older age
- Having had more than one baby or a large baby
- Having a previous pelvic surgery
What are the main signs?
You may have a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or pulling in the pelvic area. The signs may be worse when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or stand. You may notice a bulge into or out of the vagina. There may be pelvic or lower back pain. You may have problems going to the bathroom, like not being able to fully empty your bladder. You may have urine leaking or problems putting in tampons. You may also have pain or problems with sex. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor may need to do both a pelvic and rectal exam. You may be asked to cough to check for urine leaks. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Drugs
- Vaginal pessary ¢ ˆ ’ A plastic or rubber ring that is put into the vagina. The ring helps support the pelvic organs.
- Exercises
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss program
- Surgery
Are there other health problems to treat?
Ongoing coughing or hard stools should also be treated to keep the cystocele or rectocele from getting worse. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Help with leaking urine
- Make your stools softer
- Replace hormones
What changes to diet are needed?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
- Eat a high fiber diet to keep stools soft.
What problems could happen?
- Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Worry about bladder leaking
- Avoidance of social situations
- Problems with sex
- Problems walking or with other activities
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid hard stools or straining when going to the bathroom.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Do special exercises, called Kegels, to build up muscles around the bladder.
- Go to the bathroom on a regular schedule.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/rectocele/ ‚
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystocele/ ‚
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq012.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120620T0805531793 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚