Does rectocele cause vaginal bulge?

A rectocele allows the front wall of the rectum to push toward the vagina. You may notice a soft fullness at the vaginal opening, pelvic pressure, or a feeling that something is coming down. Symptoms can become more noticeable after standing, straining, or having a bowel movement. Some people also have difficulty emptying the bowel and need to change position or gently support the vaginal area. A vaginal bulge has several possible causes, so an examination is needed to identify which pelvic support structure is involved.

Arrange a gynaecology or pelvic-floor assessment if the bulge is new, bothersome, or affecting bowel movements, exercise, or intimacy. Keep stools soft with fluids and fibre if these suit you, avoid repeated straining, and ask about pelvic-floor physiotherapy. Treatment may involve observation, exercises, a vaginal support device, or surgery depending on the examination and your symptoms. Do not try to push a painful or bleeding bulge back forcefully.

Seek urgent medical care if the bulge is severely painful, cannot be gently reduced, is bleeding, looks dark or injured, or is accompanied by inability to pass urine or stool. Contact a clinician soon for new bleeding, discharge with a strong odour, fever, or rapidly worsening pressure. These features need assessment because they may signal tissue injury, infection, or another pelvic problem.

Ask which pelvic organ is creating the bulge, how advanced the support weakness appears, and whether a rectocele explains your bowel symptoms. You can also ask about pelvic-floor physiotherapy, a pessary, activities to modify, and what changes would make surgery worth considering.