Symptoms

A small posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele) may cause no signs or symptoms.

Otherwise, you may notice:

• A soft bulge of tissue in your vagina that might protrude through the vaginal opening
• Difficulty having a bowel movement
• 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

Many women with posterior vaginal prolapse also experience prolapse of other pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or — for women who have had surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) — the top of the vagina.

When to see a doctor

Posterior vaginal prolapse is common, even in women who haven't had children. In fact, you may not even know you have posterior vaginal prolapse.

But sometimes moderate or severe posterior vaginal prolapses can be bothersome or uncomfortable. See your doctor if:

• You have a bothersome bulge of tissue that protrudes through your vaginal opening
• Constipation treatment isn't successful at producing soft and easy-to-pass stool between three times a day to three times a week