Cystocele Rectocele - Medical Center of Aurora

Connective tissue separates the pelvic organs. The tissue, called fascia, is attached to nearby muscles. The fascia and muscles support the bladder, vagina, and rectum. Defects in the fascia can cause cystoceles and rectoceles.

In a cystocele, there is a defect in the fascia between the bladder and vagina. This allows a part of the bladder wall to bulge into the vagina. There are three grades of cystocele:

Grade 1: mildest form, where the bladder drops only partway into the vagina
Grade 2: moderate form, where the bladder has sunken far enough to reach the opening of the vagina
Grade 3: most severe form, where the bladder sags through the opening of the vagina

Cystocele

In a rectocele, there is a defect in the fascia between the rectum and the vagina. This allows part of the wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina.

Rectocele

The sooner that a cystocele or rectocele is treated, the better the outcome. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor.

The walls between the vagina and bladder or rectum can be damaged by one or more of the following factors:

Difficult vaginal births:
- Multiple births
- The use of forceps to assist delivery
- Perineal tears during delivery
- Episiotomy during birth
Strain from lifting heavy objects
Chronic cough
Chronic constipation
Weakening of vaginal muscles caused by a lack of estrogen after menopause

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk for a cystocele or rectocele include:

Age: postmenopausal
History of difficult vaginal births
History of straining during bowel movements
Obesity
Smoking

Symptoms

Many cases are mild and do not have symptoms.

In more serious cases, the symptoms of cystocele include:

Urine leakage while laughing, sneezing, or coughing
Incomplete bladder emptying after urination
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Pain during sexual intercourse
Feeling of tissue bulging out of vagina

Symptoms of rectocele include:

Pain or pressure in the vagina
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain or pressure in the rectum
Difficult passage of stool
Needing to apply pressure on vagina to pass stool
Feelings of incomplete stool passage
Feeling of tissue bulging out of vagina

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to cystocele or rectocele. These symptoms may be caused by other, less or more serious health conditions.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may also have a vaginal and rectal exam. Tests for cystocele may include the following:

You may need to have images taken of your urine and bowel activity. This can be done with:
- Voiding cystourethrogram
- Defecogram
Your bodily fluid may need to be tested. This can be done with urine tests.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. For the mildest cases of cystocele and rectocele, no treatment is needed. For more serious cases, treatment options include the following:

Activity Modification

Your doctor may suggest that you avoid heavy lifting.
Kegel exercises, which involve squeezing the pelvic floor muscles, may help to strengthen the muscles around the vagina and bladder.
A diet that allows for easy passage of stools may help with a rectocele. The diet should include fiber, liquids, and a stool softener if necessary.

Pessary

A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina. It can provide support to keep the bladder and/or rectum in place.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Adding estrogen may help strengthen the walls of the vagina after menopause. It may be delivered in the form of pills, creams, or patches.

Surgery

For severe cases, surgery may be needed to move the bladder or rectum back into place.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting cystocele and rectocele, take the following steps:

Avoid heavy lifting.
Perform Kegel exercises regularly.
Treat constipation.
Quit smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.

Cystocele/Rectocele