how to repair a rectocele naturally

How Can I Fix My Rectocele Naturally?

• Avoid constipation by following a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Take a stool softener to keep your bowel movements soft.
• Have plenty of water throughout the day (6-8 ounces)
• Keep weight under check.
• Avoid straining at stools (bearing down worsens the rectocele)
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Control coughing (you can use over the counter cough suppressants)
• Do pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises.

Full Answer

Can you fix a rectocele without surgery?

The vast majority of a patient’s symptoms associated with a rectocele can be managed effectively without surgery. It is very important to have a good bowel regimen in order to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. A high fiber diet of 25+ grams per day can help with this goal.

What to expect after rectocele surgery?

• Take stool softeners and fiber supplements to help keep your bowel movements soft and regular in the days and weeks following your repair surgery. ...
• Stay well-hydrated to prevent constipation.
• Do not lift more weight than your doctor recommends (usually just ten pounds) during your recovery.

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How long does it take to recover from cystocele repair?

Women typically recover from the cystocele repair in about 4-6 weeks. Women typically recover from the cystocele repair in about 4-6 weeks. They may resume their daily activities, including sexual intercourse, in about 4 weeks after the procedure.

How to correct a rectocele?

Strategies include:

• Avoid constipation by following a high-fiber diet (more than 25 grams of fiber per day) and drinking six to eight 10-ounce glasses of water per day.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements and long periods of sitting on the toilet.
• Use stool softeners if needed.
• Follow exercises designed to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the pelvic floor.

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Can a rectocele heal on its own?

Expected Duration. A rectocele is a long-term condition that does not heal on its own. It may remain a minor problem or become larger and more problematic with time.

Can you reverse a rectocele?

Yes! Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated and improve without surgery in some women. Prolapse results when the pelvic floor tissues are overstretched and weakened, just like overstretching a spring. Your pelvic floor muscles should work to help support your pelvic organs (i.e. bladder, uterus and rectum).

Can a rectocele shrink?

Ideally, you cannot shrink the prolapse. You can just restore your rectum to its normal position by manual reduction or surgery.

How do you clear your bowels with a rectocele?

NONSURGICAL TREATMENTEating a high-fiber diet and taking over-the-counter fiber supplements (25-35 grams of fiber/day)Drinking more water (typically 6-8 glasses daily)Avoiding excessive straining with bowel movements.Applying pressure to the back of the vagina during bowel movements.More items...

Can you push a rectocele back in?

Splinting, this is inserting a tampon or two fingers inside the vagina and pushing back. Surgical repair may be indicated if the rectocele is severe. A rectocele repair may be performed through the anus, vagina, perineum (between the anus and vagina), the abdomen, or may be a combined repair.

Can Kegels fix rectocele?

These muscles actually form part of the anal sphincter and they support your rectum when you empty your bowel. Regular pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are an important for long-term successful recovery after rectocele repair surgery.

Can poop get stuck in a rectocele?

When rectoceles become symptomatic a conversation with your doctor is needed. Problems may include: Difficulty having a complete bowel movement because of stool getting stuck in the rectum. The need to press against the vagina and/or space between the rectum and the vagina to have a bowel movement.

Does estrogen cream help rectocele?

Estrogen is a hormone that may be taken as a pill, or applied as a vaginal cream. Estrogen helps keep your pelvic muscles strong and may prevent your rectocele from getting worse.

Can you feel a rectocele with your finger?

What does a rectocele feel like to touch? Your rectocele may be so slight that you can't feel it. If the prolapse is more pronounced, it may feel like a bulge or lump in the back wall of your vagina. You can insert a (clean) finger or two to feel for a rectocele.

How do I strengthen my rectocele?

Kegel exercisesTighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas.Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. ... Work up to holding the contractions for 10 seconds at a time.Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.

What does a rectocele feel like to touch?

Sensation of rectal pressure or fullness. A feeling that the rectum has not completely emptied after a bowel movement. Sexual concerns, such as feeling embarrassed or sensing looseness in the tone of your vaginal tissue.

What happens if a rectocele goes untreated?

If a rectocele is left untreated, the following complications may occur: Pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area. Constipation. Leakage of bowel movements (incontinence)

What happens if prolapse is left untreated?

If left untreated, a prolapse can worsen over time. If it is severe enough to interfere with the bladder or kidneys, then there may be serious cons...

What should you not do with a prolapse?

If you have pelvic organ prolapse, it's important to take care of your condition by avoiding strenuous activity and staying off your feet for long...

How should you sleep with a prolapsed uterus?

There are many different positions you may find more comfortable for you while you sleep. You should choose a position that is comfortable for your...

How do you fix a prolapse without surgery?

Pelvic floor exercises can help to ease the pain and discomfort of prolapse by strengthening muscles that provide more support for pelvic organs. F...

What is the best treatment for prolapse?

Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you're not bothered by pelvic organ prolapse, then it might be treated without surg...

Does walking make prolapse worse?

A woman's prolapse symptoms can change in severity depending on what time of day it is. Some women notice that their pressure increases after they...

How long is recovery from bladder prolapse?

Although alternative exercise may relieve some symptoms of Cystocele, many people may need surgery. Your recovery time will be dependent upon the l...

How do you treat prolapse naturally?

If your prolapse causes few or no symptoms, simple self-care measures may provide relief or help prevent worsening prolapse. Self-care measures inc...

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What is the procedure to remove a rectocele?

The surgical procedure for rectocele removal is called posterior colporrhaphy which removes the herniated bowel from the wall of the vagina. ...

How long does it take for a rectocele to heal?

The incisions made at the repair sight will typically heal in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Please speak with your doctor for more information on recovery expectations.

What is stitched around a tear?

Excess tissue along the herniation is removed and stitches are sewn around the tear sight. If the doctor notices any other forms of pelvic organ prolapse, he may resolve those issues as well during the procedure. Once complete, the vaginal incisions are stitched up and packed with gauze.

Can rectocele cause pelvic pain?

Symptoms of rectocele can become quite uncomfortable and painful over time. If left untreated, rectocele can lead to symptoms such as: the feeling of increased pressure or protrusion in the vagina or rectum, inability to defecate or feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels, pelvic pain, and/or painful sex.

Can rectocele be treated without surgery?

As with many forms of pelvic floor prolapse, rectocele is treatable without the need of surgery. Various forms of exercise, pelvic floor therapy, dietary restrictions or additions, staying hydrated, and practicing proper core and pelvic floor engagement techniques are highly beneficial for treating rectocele.

Can rectocele be surgically treated?

In many cases, rectocele occurs alongside other pelvic organ related conditions. Treatment is designed to help reduce symptoms and heal any herniations, te ars, or prolapses. Treatments include both surgical and non-surgical options. Although surgery for rectocele is often rare, in severe cases surgery may be your best option.

How to treat rectocele without surgery?

Strategies include: Avoid constipation by following a high-fiber diet (more than 25 grams of fiber per day) and drinking six to eight 10-ounce glasses of water per day. Avoid straining during bowel movements and long periods of sitting on the toilet.

What does rectocele mean?

A sense of bulging or fullness in your vagina. Problems with sexual intercourse. The need to manually reduce the bulge in your vagina to have a bowel movement. A rectocele should be treated only if your symptoms interfere with your quality of life.

How to stop bowel movement?

These methods include: Avoiding constipation by following a high-fiber diet (more than 25 grams of fiber per day) and drinking 6 to 8 10-ounce glasses of water per day. Avoiding straining during bowel movements and long periods of sitting on the toilet. Using stool softeners if needed.

How to reduce bulge in vagina?

Follow exercises designed to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the pelvic floor. Go to your provider to be fitted with a pessary, a device placed into the vagina to reduce the bulge.

What is the most common surgical repair?

The most common surgical repair is a transvaginal rectocele repair , also called a posterior repair. The rectocele is reached through the vagina. It offers the chance to correct not only the rectocele but a thinned perineum and widened vaginal opening.

How long does it take to repair a pelvic floor?

In most cases, surgery is done under general anesthesia and takes about one hour. The most common surgical repair is a transvaginal rectocele repair, also called a posterior repair.

Why does my vagina have a bulge?

The bulge occurs as a result of thinning and weakening of the band of tissue that separates the vagina from the rectum. This thinning has a number of causes, including: Advanced age. Multiple vaginal childbirths or trauma during childbirth (for example, the use of forceps or the tearing of tissue during delivery).

How to empty your bowels?

Correct position to empty your bowels: Sit on the seat (never hover) Lean forwards (not backwards) Position your hips and legs apart. Rest your forearms of hands on your thighs to support your trunk. Maintain the inwards curve in your lower back throughout.

What to do when you have emptied your bowel?

Diuretics. When you have emptied your bowel take appropriate measures using the information above to help you avoid repeat constipation. This can be a matter of trial and error to get the right stool consistency with diet and laxatives. Your goal should be to minimise the use of laxative medications over time.

Why does my bowel wind up?

Gas or wind in the bowel is caused by: Swallowed air. Bacterial fermentation of unabsor bed food in the large bowel. If you are prone to bloating and gas with particular foods watch out for this pitfall after your rectocele repair.

How to relax pelvic floor muscles?

Perform 5-6 relaxed deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises – these help to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Brace to make your waist – if you say and hold the sounds “SSSS” or “Moooo” this can help bracing.

Can rectocele repair make stool hard?

If your stool is too hard or too soft emptying your bowels will be difficult after rectocele repair. Unfortunately one of the side effects of pain relieving medications like codeine and narcotics is constipation which can make stools hard and difficult to pass.

Is rectocele a problem?

Rectocele is a challenging and embarrasing problem to deal with. This rectocele video and information helps you manage rectocele, reduce your risk of rectocele worsening and repeat prolapse after rectocele repair surgery. Unfortunately women are discharged from care after rectocele repair without clear guidelines for how to prevent repeat prolapse.

Does having a prolapse repair increase your risk of repeat prolapse?

Being so young and having a prolapse repair increases your risk of repeat prolapse since this repair needs to last a long time. The fact that you’ve had surgery increases your risk of repeat prolapse. Added to this is the issue of pregnancy and childbirth should this arise that loads the pelvic floor too.

Conservative Treatment for Rectocele

It’s important to have regular bowel movements if you have a rectocele. You want to minimize straining and constipation. This can include eating well, drinking plenty of water, and adding fiber to your diet. Ideally, you want your stools to be soft so they pass easily without force.

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What to do if your vagina prolapses?

If your posterior vaginal prolapse causes few or no symptoms, simple self-care measures — such as performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles — may provide relief. Pessary. A vaginal pessary is a plastic or rubber ring inserted into your vagina to support the bulging tissues.

How to prevent pelvic prolapse?

Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. A strong pelvic floor provides better support for your pelvic organs, prevents prolapse from worsening and relieves symptoms associated with posterior vaginal prolapse. To perform Kegel exercises: Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas.

How to do kegel exercises?

To perform Kegel exercises: Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas. Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. If this is too difficult, start by holding for two seconds and relaxing for five seconds.

What is the procedure for a vaginal bulge?

The surgery usually consists of removing excess, stretched tissue that forms the vaginal bulge and placing stitches (sutures) to support pelvic structures. A mesh patch might be inserted to support and strengthen the fascia.

Can you do Kegel exercises on the couch?

Biofeedback involves using monitoring devices that help ensure you're tightening the muscles properly for the best length of time. Once you've learned the proper method, you can do Kegel exercises discreetly just about anytime, whether you're sitting at your desk or relaxing on the couch.

Can you have surgical repair for a prolapsed vagina?

Surgical repair might be needed if: The posterior vaginal prolapse protrudes outside your vagina and is especially bothersome. You have prolapse of other pelvic organs in addition to posterior vaginal prolapse that is bothersome. Surgical repair for each condition can be completed at the same time. The surgery usually consists ...

How many women have rectoceles?

In 1 recent study of 125 women in the United States who had rectoceles, the typical patient was about 60 years old, going through menopause, and had gone through 2 or 3 vaginal deliveries.

What to do if you have a bulge in your vagina?

Call your doctor promptly if you discover an abnormal bulge in the wall of your vagina, or if you suddenly develop severe rectal pressure, pain or bleeding. Call your doctor for an appointment if you suffer from chronic constipation, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, or any difficulty passing stool.

What is it called when a rectum bulges?

Sometimes, an area of this wall gets weak, and part of the rectum bulges into the vagina. This bulge is called a rectocele. The problem usually develops after the wall is damaged during a vaginal delivery. The bulge may occur after a vaginal delivery, but symptoms may not develop until later in life. Rectoceles are more commonly seen in older women ...

Can a small rectocele cause a vaginal bulge?

Symptoms. A small rectocele may not cause any symptoms, especially if it bulges less than 2 centimeters (less than 1 inch) into the vagina. However, larger rectoceles can trigger a variety of rectal and vaginal complaints, including: A feeling that the rectum has not emptied completely after a bowel movement.

Can rectocele be caused by menopause?

Rectoceles are more commonly seen in older women who have entered menopause. Some conditions can increase the risk of developing rectocele, including chronic constipation, chronic cough, repetitive heavy lifting, or any activity that puts pressure on the pelvic floor over time.

Can kegels help with rectocele?

Some health experts believe that Kegel exercises can either help to prevent a rectocele or relieve some of its symptoms . Kegel exercises are muscle-strengthening maneuvers that help to tighten the tissues around the vagina, but they have not been proven to prevent rectoceles.

Can a rectocele develop after an episiotomy?

Now, however, there is some evidence that rectoceles may develop near healed episiotomies.

What is the purpose of rectocele repair?

The goal of rectocele repair is to strengthen the wall between the vagina and rectum. In this surgical procedure, the doctor will make an incision into the back wall of the vagina. The layers under the vaginal wall are then sutured together in such a way as to tighten the tissues and reinforce the strength of the wall.

What are the symptoms of rectocele?

Symptoms of a rectocele may include pelvic, vaginal and rectal pressure. Factors that may increase your risk of developing a rectocele include giving birth vaginally, age, obesity and chronic constipation. Mild cases of rectocele are often improved with nonsurgical therapies, such as bowel training. If symptoms are particularly problematic, your ...

What does it mean when you feel a soft bulge in your vagina?

Rectal pressure or fullness, or the sensation that something is stuck in the rectum. A soft bulge of tissue that can be felt in the vagina (or protrudes outside of the body) Women with a rectocele may also have a secondary prolapse of the other vaginal walls and nearby organs, including the bladder or uterus.

What tests are done to determine if you have a rectocele?

At your appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history with you. The doctor will then perform a physical exam to determine the extent of the rectocele and identify any secondary prolapses, if present. Rarely, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may also be performed.

Is a rectocele the same as a rectal prolapse?

A rectocele is not the same thing as rectal prolapse.

What to do if your rectum is getting worse?

If your symptoms get worse, you may want to talk with your doctor about surgery to return the rectum to its normal position. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems.

How to get rid of a bowel movement?

Get some exercise every day. Build up slowly to at least 2½ hours of moderate to vigorous exercise a week. Take a fibre supplement, such as Benefibre or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Schedule time each day for a bowel movement.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Start with 3 seconds. Then add 1 second each week until you are able to squeeze for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 to 15 times for each session. Do three or more sessions each day. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).