Rectocele (Rectal wall Prolapse)

Rectocele - Prolapse of the Front Rectal Wall

Rectocele is a very common form of prolapse, and most women who have cystocele, or bladder prolapse, also have rectocele.

Rectocele has the same cause as cystocele. As the lumbar curve flattens, it allows the uterus to pull back, loosening tension on the back vaginal wall, and allowing the front rectal wall to push forward and bulge into the vaginal space.

Successful management of rectocele requires Whole Woman toileting position, which facilitates bowel movement while also protecting the pelvic organs from the forces of intraabdominal pressure.

A pessary is often ineffective for rectocele. However, all women with prolapse are encouraged to at least try the pessary to see if it offers some relief while you learn the Whole Woman work.

Post Hysterectomy Prolapse

For those who are post-hysterectomy, the situation is more complicated. Loss of the uterus is like the loss of the hub of a bicycle wheel.

Cystocele and rectocele are very common post hysterectomy. While Whole Woman posture is good for all women, the post-hysterectomy woman may not get the same level of result as the woman who has her uterus. However, there is no surgical cure for post-hysterectomy prolapse, and the sooner women realize this fact, the sooner they can begin working to stabilize their condition through non-surgical means.

Causes of Prolapse

There are several additional things you should be aware of.

Prolapse is not caused by childbirth, weak connective tissue or old age. My research in the medical and anthropological literature, the results I have achieved with my own surgically-induced prolapse, and the successes of thousands of other women, have made this clear.

Loss of lumbar curvature is the primary cause of pelvic organ prolapse. Yes, childbirth and connective tissue issues can exacerbate the condition, but restoring WW posture, and applying WW techniques and exercises, will give you everything you need to manage your prolapse for a lifetime.

Notice I said “manage.” There is no “cure” for prolapse in the sense that you can take your car to the shop and have a new transmission installed. You will have good days and some not so good days, but you will soon learn that your condition is very manageable.

You Are Not the Patient. You are the Physician.

Finally, what I have learned in over twenty years since my prolapse began, ultimately, only you can manage your prolapse. There is no magic cure. What is required is Whole Woman education, mindfulness in how you sit, stand, walk, run, lift and carry, and also diet and Whole Woman toileting technique.

In some respects the most difficult aspect of prolapse is the isolation that comes from feeling like no one else has this problem, and that you can’t really talk about it. Depending on whose research you read, fifty to eighty percent of all women will have prolapse at some point in their lives. It is the largest single women’s health issue.

Get Your Husband or Partner Involved

If you find it difficult to discuss with your husband or partner, you may find the article, A Husband's Guide to Prolapse to be useful as a way of opening the conversation. Some men are really squeamish about female anatomy, but you may well find that working on it together will actually help make you closer, and also help you realize that you are not alone.

Join the Whole Woman Community Message Board, say hello and get acquainted. There are thousands of women just like you who have learned the Whole Woman ways and can help you on your journey to restoring your natural female pelvic organ support system.