Recommended by physicians and pharmacists for over 50 years to provide comfortable relief from occasional constipation

Medical Conditions for Which Stool Softeners May be Recommended: Rectoceles^1-2

Certain factors may increase the risk of a woman developing a rectocele. These include birth trauma such as multiple, difficult or prolonged deliveries, the use of forceps or other assisted methods of delivery, perineal tears, or an episiotomy into the rectum or anal sphincter muscles. In addition, a history of constipation and straining with bowel movements, or hysterectomy may contribute to the development of a rectocele. Commonly, these problems develop with age but they may occasionally occur in younger women or in those that have not delivered children.²

Many patients with rectoceles have no symptoms. Although patients with recotoceles often complain of constipation, the presence of a rectocele is not necessarily the cause of the constipation.¹

It takes an experienced doctor to help you decide whether your symptoms are caused by a rectocele. If there are multiple abnormalities present, it may be best to address them all at once as this will result in the best chance for improvement. You should consider having your rectocele treated when it causes significant symptoms.²

Rectoceles that are not causing symptoms do not need to be treated. In general, you should avoid constipation by eating a high fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids. A bowel management program is the best first step. This includes a diet high in fiber and 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. The stools will be larger, softer and easier to pass. You may wish to add a fiber supplement and/or a stool softener to this regimen to improve stool consistency.² Surgery is recommended in very select cases after failure of medical management.¹

References

1. Gregorcyk Sharon G. Rectovaginal Fistulas And Retroceles. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Website. Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/physicians/education/core_subjects/2001/rectovaginal_fistulas_rectoceles/
2. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Rectocele. ASCRS Website.
   Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/rectocele/