When is pelvic floor repair surgery recommended for rectocele?

A rectocele occurs when the tissue between the vagina and rectum weakens, allowing the rectum to press forward. It can cause a vaginal bulge, pressure, difficulty emptying the bowel, or a need to change position or use gentle support during a bowel movement. An examination helps distinguish a rectocele from other causes of pelvic symptoms and guides treatment.

Book an assessment if bowel emptying is difficult, symptoms are affecting comfort, or a bulge is becoming more noticeable. A clinician may review stool consistency, straining, pelvic floor coordination, and medicines. Fibre, fluids, bowel-habit changes, pelvic floor physiotherapy, or a pessary may help some people. Discuss the proposed approach in [Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/pelvic-floor-repair-surgery/).

Contact a clinician promptly for a painful or trapped bulge, new inability to pass urine or stool, rectal bleeding, fever, or rapidly worsening pelvic pain. Seek urgent help for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or feeling faint or seriously unwell.

Ask how the rectocele was confirmed, whether constipation or straining is contributing, which non-surgical measures are suitable, what tissue is repaired, and what bowel changes to expect during recovery.