Rectocele: Understanding and Treating Posterior Vaginal Prolapse

If you’re feeling a bulge in your vagina or having difficulty with bowel movements, it may be a rectocele—and help is available. At Florida Women’s Health, Kelsey Lipking, MD, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist, offers expert diagnosis and treatment for rectocele, helping women find lasting relief from pressure, discomfort, and bowel dysfunction.

What Is a Rectocele?

A rectocele, or posterior vaginal prolapse, occurs when the tissue wall between the rectum and vagina becomes weakened, allowing the rectum to bulge into the vaginal space. This often happens as a result of childbirth, chronic straining, heavy lifting, or age-related weakening of pelvic support.

While common, rectocele can interfere with your bowel function and cause daily discomfort, but it is treatable.

Signs and Symptoms of Rectocele

Women with a rectocele often describe a sense of “something falling out” or needing to press on the vagina to have a complete bowel movement. Symptoms can include:

  • A bulge or fullness in the vaginal area
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement (incomplete emptying or needing to strain)
  • Needing to apply pressure to the vaginal wall (splinting) to fully pass stool
  • Vaginal pressure or discomfort, especially when standing or at the end of the day
  • Low back pain or pelvic heaviness
  • Pain or discomfort with intercourse

If these symptoms sound familiar, a pelvic exam can help determine whether a rectocele is the cause.

When to See a Urogynecologist

You don’t have to live with bowel dysfunction or vaginal pressure. Dr. Kelsey Lipking has advanced training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and she offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions for rectocele and other pelvic floor conditions.

Consider a consultation if:

  • You’re straining or unable to empty your bowels completely
  • You’ve noticed a vaginal bulge or pressure
  • Rectocele symptoms are interfering with intimacy or activity

Treatment Options for Rectocele

At Florida Women’s Health, Dr. Lipking takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to treatment, focused on restoring both function and comfort.

Nonsurgical Treatments

  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – Exercises and techniques to strengthen muscles and improve bowel control
  • Diet and Bowel Management – Strategies to prevent constipation and reduce straining
  • Vaginal Pessary – A removable device that supports the vaginal wall and reduces the bulge

Surgical Options

When symptoms are moderate to severe or conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief, surgery may be recommended. Dr. Lipking offers minimally invasive procedures to repair the vaginal wall and restore normal anatomy, including:

  • Posterior colporrhaphy – Tightens and reinforces the vaginal wall
  • Reconstructive procedures – Often combined with other prolapse repairs if multiple areas are involved

Surgical outcomes are excellent, and patients often report a significant improvement in both bowel function and comfort.

Find Lasting Relief from Rectocele Symptoms

You don’t have to manage rectocele on your own. Expert, compassionate care is close to home.

Call (352) 820-4392 today to schedule your consultation with Kelsey Lipking, MD at Florida Women’s Health. We proudly care for patients from Ocala, The Villages, Belleview, and surrounding areas.

Relief is possible—and it starts with a conversation.