Rectocele Puns

Anyone had successful, or even unsuccessful, surgery for a rectocele and willing to share things you did ask, wish you had asked, or wish you had known prior?

I’ve had four vaginal births and a hysterectomy 14 years ago (still have my ovaries) and I know it’s not an unusual occurrence after all that ‘trauma.’ However, since I’ve hit peri/meno the rectocele is getting worse and interfering with my daily life. I’m only 50 and I don’t relish the thought of dealing with this nonsense for another 30 years. I’m going in for a chat with my gyn for a possible referral to a colorectal surgeon. I’d like to be armed with as much info as possible.

Thanks for an insight!

(I have sent my OB a message already and am waiting to hear back)

I am about 4 months postpartum. I've been having a lot of trouble with bowel movements (pain/bleeding, straining even when I use stool softeners/fluids). A few weeks ago I noticed a large bulge in the back wall of my vagina. It's been getting larger, and now is low enough that I can see it while straining. I can't even insert a tampon, the bulge is so large. I'm 99% sure it's a rectocele.

So... what can I do about it?

Pelvic floor PT? Exercises?

Are there any things I should do/not do? (Stool softeners, laxatives, enemas? It's hard to avoid straining unless I use laxatives/softeners, but I wonder if your body gets dependent on them?

Age: 27

Sex: female

Height: 5'3"

Weight: 170

Race: Caucasian

I've developed a rectocele (type of prolapse where the rectal tissue is bulging up and out of the vagina) after being violently sodomized by my ex boyfriend over a month ago now. I have a doctor appointment 2 weeks from now but it's bugging me and I wanted to ask. When it happened I could see that my anus and vagina both had bleeding tears, and my anus bled for about a week. I mentioned the rectocele to my mother who is a nurse (without mentioning that I was raped) and she said that childbirth can be a factor (I have 3 children ages 2, 4 and 7). Then I googled, and couldn't find anything about sodomy or rape in reference to rectoceles. I didn't go to the hospital or report him because I was confused, scared and embarrassed. I mean it's my boyfriend that did this

The gift of pelvic floor dysfunction keeps on giving. I had uterine and bladder prolapse following my second pregnancy a few years ago. It healed well with time plus PT. At my last pelvic exam, everything checked out normal (for a woman who has had 2 kids vaginally).

Fast forward to a recent back injury with Valium and Hydro induced constipation. I have epilepsy and have very limited meds I can take safely with my AED, and unfortunately Valium and Hydro are some of my only options.

I have a history of IBS, so I know the drill. Fluids, stool softener, no straining, etc etc.

I’ve been off Valium and Hydro for a month, and my back pain has mostly resolved. About a week ago I started experiencing difficulty completing bowel movements, and with vaginal self exam felt a prolapse. I saw my gyno today, and he confirmed a rectocele on exam (nothing like getting DP’d by your doctor first thing on a Saturday morning), and ordered a pelvic ultrasound for next week.

Fortunately, at least my uterus and bladder are continuing to hold strong!

Anyone have long term success with PT for rectocele? I evaded surgery last time, so I’m hoping with PT I can do the same this time. I miss pooping without having to “splint”.

Has anyone found something that gives you relief from the pain and discomfort of a rectocele? How about surgery to correct it? Please, I want to know that there are others who have had this and how they dealt with it.

I had vertical gastric sleeve surgery in January 2021 and have successfully lost ~ 65 lbs / 55% of my weight loss goal. I noticed issues with constipation and difficulty going to the restroom after starting solid foods. More fiber, they said. More fluids, they said.

Anyways... lots of blood, sweat, and tears came the following 6 months until my bariatric surgeon referred me to the colorectal surgeon for evaluation. Had a consult yesterday that included "narrow, deep rectocele; upper rectal laxity; possible intermittent sigmoidal prolapse" that requires a surgical rectocele repair. The surgeon also plans to remove any large hemorrhoids during the outpatient procedure, too. The surgeon mentioned that my weight loss, most importantly loss of visceral fat, can be known to cause the bowels to lower/drop down. It should not continue to lower now that I'm past the halfway point. Apparently this is seen with EDSers, especially bc our GI tract can be stretchy and lax.

Has anyone else with EDS had this issue?

Wish me luck!

I have been having some issues, did some Googling, learned what a rectocele is, and became convinced I have one because I have all the signs. I went to see a gynecologist today and brought it up, only I couldn't remember the word so I just said "prolapse". She very adamantly said that's not what I have. Her manner seemed kind of dismissive, like she didn't believe it was possible since I've never been pregnant. Still, she did a physical exam, and she's the expert. Is it possible she could have missed it?

My surgery is scheduled for June 11, had my preop appt yesterday and discussed my mammogram, ultrasound & my BRCA test that was all done in the last month. Mammogram shows cyst and he assured me most women have them with no issues at all, the genetic test was negative so that was a sigh of relief. However he suggested to further prevent cancer to have my ovary removed if it was no longer functioning, I had blood work done yesterday and they have called to tell me that I have indeed been thru menopause so I will probably have it removed during the rectocele repair. He mentioned doing a clear liquid diet the day before as well as mag citrate & enema. Please give me advice on how to get the mag citrate down :/ I have a terribly weak stomach when it comes to something like that.

Hi all. I don’t have an ostomy, but I’ve been thinking about advocating for one after suffering for 5 years with chronic and progressive pelvic and rectal pain post-childbirth. I live in so much pain from not being able to poop like normal. My stool constantly gets impacted in my rectocele, my sphincter won’t relax open, and I have so much tearing (fissures) and bleeding with bowel movements. I can’t poop anymore without lots of straining and splinting. I’ve tried dietary changes and supplements. I’ve tried pelvic floor physical therapy. But it just keeps getting worse and worse. My quality of life sucks. I just got back from a “vacation” in which I spent the entire week bed ridden with pain. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep my new job once we go back to work in the office. I don’t get to enjoy being a mom because of pain and exhaustion. I haven’t been able to finish school. I mean... it’s really disrupting my life. Has anyone else ever been in a similar situation with these pelvic issues and chose an ostomy? Any thoughts, advice, comfort, encouragement?

I just want some semblance of a life back before the pain kills me. I’m only 29 years old. I don’t know what to do anymore. My life is entirely controlled by my chronic pain... my life doesn’t belong to me anymore.

PSA No one talks about this no one tells you this so I’m here to tell you. There’s a condition called rectocele where your rectum falls into your vagina and it messed up your ability to use the restroom. Oh and there’s another one where your bladder drops, I think I kind of have that one too but not severe not sure what the name is but I see a bulge down there where my bladder is, but the buldge for my rectocele is worse. Most women have it after giving birth just 1-2 times and it gets worse with more vagina births. Usually the case is mild you won’t even know or notice and it will get worse in your 60s and that’s when you’ll see symptoms or get diagnosed. This happens in a lot of women if it didn’t happen to you, you’re lucky. I’m on my second pregnancy and I’m already suffering from this. Heavy lifting makes it worst, so don’t carry your toddler. Constipation makes it worse, eat your fiber. And do kegels. I’m just here to inform you.

I had robotic rectopexy surgery in November of 2020. In the past two weeks I started to feel symptoms of rectocele coming back- there is no visible prolapse from the outside, but when having a bm, I can feel the bm bulging into vaginal canal as I use a gloved finger to assist get back on correct track. Does this mean the surgery has completely come undone? Or slightly? Is it matter of time before I start noticing external tissue bulge? I have an appointment with my PT on Monday, but I’m spiraling and getting sad and anxious that less than a year after surgery, I’m experiencing all of this all over again. Thoughts?

UPDATE: turns out o was just freaking out. I’m sore because this week my husband went back to work, and no matter how hard I try, I have to do more while he’s gone. Also, turns out ibuprofen once or twice a day makes a big difference.

I am day 12 post LAVH and rectocele repair. It’s been going really well until yesterday. I have had a couple of amazing bowel movements.

Yesterday, I suddenly started feeling more sore and today, tons of rectal pressure. I’m TERRIFIED something “broke” and the repair has failed...

Thoughts?

Well yesterday was surgery day, had rectocele repair as well as having my ovary & tubes removed. Dr said I had tons of scar tissue to remove just to get to the ovary/tube so today I am SORE 😞 he also advised not to get constipated as that would affect the rectocele recovery. I have drank miralax twice since yesterday, but I am terrified of having to poop 😨 anyone have any advice on keeping things going down there.

Yesterday I had a Defecography done and I've just found out I have a "moderate rectocele". I'm only 19 and I find this totally debilitating. I feel so alone and too young to be dealing with this. I've also been diagnosed with a hypertonic pelvic floor and I feel broken.

I just recently was able to put a name to the discomfort and pain I've been having. It's rectocele. Has anyone here dealt with this? Tried the non surgical options? Had the repair surgery? If you had the surgery, was it successful! Thanks!

I am going to be very candid over my POP issues so if you don’t want to read about a females health issues related to pregnancy please scroll past.

I am 36 years old with a BMI of 25.4, I workout doing HITT and love it. I’ve had 2 vaginal births where my first child was 5lbs 5oz and the doctor preformed an episiotomy due to baby going into distress, second child was quite a bit larger at 8lbs 3oz and I had a second degree tear. After the birth of my second I was experiencing stress incontinence and just a kinda overall loose jiggly feeling in my lower abdomen. I thought I need to just tighten up my core once again and that is when I started going HITT, I noticed a lose in inches but not weight which I am happy with but I couldn’t get my core to function correctly.

I had an umbilical hernia so had surgery to fix it hoping that was the culprit and was scheduled to start pelvic floor therapy. Due to my incontinence I had an evaluation done where it was determined I would need vaginoplasty based off of severe elasticity of the vaginal canal (4 finger width opening), I had this determination confirmation by a second doctor back in October. Fast forward to January where I started to have a fullness feeling in my vagina and was diagnosed with stage 2 bladder prolapse with stage 1 rectal prolapse, I am absolutely devastated because my vaginoplasty was scheduled for the 25th of this month and I was thinking my problems would be resolved!

Now I am waiting on a different surgeon to tell me what the options are for correcting everything, I really don’t want mesh since I am so young and know that it won’t last. My regular OBGYN advised against any action but that means that I would have to live with peeing myself after any cough or sneeze, oh and don’t even get me started on having a healthy sex life. I did request she put in an updated prescription for PFT since the prolapse is a new development, waiting on them to contact me.

I want these things fixed but it is difficult finding any information or health forums, why oh why are women shafted on all medical needs related to pregnancy/delivery?! It should be mandatory treatment for pelvic floor therapy for all women pre/postpartum, guess that’s another discussion entirely. I will update my journey in this thread so that it might help another woman down the road.

Hi! Just wondering if there was anyone out there who has had posterior vaginal wall prolapse/ rectocele surgery? I underwent the surgery on Monday (called posterior colporrhaphy). Having rectal pressure from the surgery still and wondered when it went away for others? Also, still feel the heaviness in my vaginal area but I also feel like it’s stitched up, so just wondering if others felt that and if it resolved. I read online that if you still have the sensation of prolapse, it can take 6 months for it to correct post op, but wanted to see if that was true for others. I also had an episiotomy repair. Or, if anyone has had this surgery, it would help me to hear your experiences.

For context, I am 7 months postpartum. Had the sensation like a tampon was falling out of me and kept being told that I just looked like I had a baby. Was made to feel like I was a crazy person for 6 months by OB until I insisted on referrals to pelvic floor PT and a urogynecologist. Pelvic floor PT didn’t see any evidence of prolapse. My urogynecologist spent over 2 hours with me at my consult to diagnose me with rectocele.

Just a little background, 53 F, 2 sons 1 del vaginally, previous hysterectomy @ 29, endometriosis removed, appendix 12.2015. Several years ago I worked in a factory on my feet all day & had terrible pelvic pain all the time. Most of that has been resolved by changing jobs, I’m now a secretary, for the last 20 years. Last year i went on a low carb diet dropped 28 lbs fairly quickly but the constipation was no joke. Hence the rectocele. Not sure when it happened as I assumed sitting all day was causing the somewhat sore, tired feeling in the vaginal area. The dr yesterday is going to set up surgery for approx a month from now, our vacation was already planned for the end of April & I didn’t wanna mess that up. Do any of you regret having the surgery? Is the recovery horrible? I’m sorta anxious about it, should I be 😅?

Quick question has anyone had a rectocele repair and it failed. I am still struggling to use the bathroom , I still can't seem to use the bathroom properly

Anyone that has experienced a rectocele fail? I wondering how would I know if it failed ???

Backstory, my bowel movements were completely normal until my step-family moved into our apartment when I was 15. Our apartment is small with thin walls and (as stupid as this is) I became embarrassed about taking shits and so I started pushing on my perineum to be as quick as possible on the toilet.

I continued doing this until I was 20 and begun to notice that my bowels never felt fully empty and I would have to wipe myself myself multiple times to 'clean' my asshole (and even then it was never fully clean). You know how when you wipe after a shit and it's mostly a mucus type thing on the toilet paper? I haven't had that in years, when I wipe my asshole is still 'open' and I'm literally cleaning pure stool from the inside of my asshole, it can take 12 wipes sometimes.

And even after I've wiped and I'm 'clean', when I pee a few hours later and wipe my asshole there is still stool on it. My boyfriend has said that during sex he can often see that my asshole (when slightly stretched) has stool in the creases.

It's like no matter why type of stool that I have, whether it's runny, soft or hard.

I've researched and I definitely have a rectocele (I've put fingers in there and can feel a large empty pocket behind my sphincter that is full of stool), I've been trying pelvic floor exercises for the past 5 years but nothing has changed. I went to the doctor a few years ago who stuck her finger in my vagina said my pelvic floor was completely fine and basically waved me off (I dont have insurance and can't afford more hospital trips).

What can help repair a rectocele when you already have strong pelvic floor muscles.

does anybody know if a rectocele would cause multiple BMs throughout the day? I have a fairly decent BM in the morning yet I still push out pellets throughout the day. Does anybody with a rectocele know if this is common?

I had a hysterectomy and rectocele repair 4.5 weeks ago, I know I still have more recovery time to go but I have persistent pain in one area. I feel like the vaginal opening was sewn too tight. It has added about an inch, maybe inch and a half, to the perennial area. It’s constantly pulling and there’s even a hole/gap in the middle where it appears to be over stretched (kind of like boob gap in a button up shirt). It feels like I’m getting a brazilian and instead of the hair being pulled out quickly it’s being pulled almost to it’s breaking point and held at that tension 24/7.

My surgeon said everything was “fine” at my last check up but the pain has steadily increased since then. I’ve had other issues that they have blown off and I just don’t trust them. I’m concerned that I’m going to have to deal with this for months, even a year or more, until the skin can stretch itself and relax.

Does anyone have experience or knowledge with this?

Hi, I have surgery for rectocele repair scheduled for next Tuesday. I am extremely nervous, and having trouble getting a clear picture of what recovery will look like. My main goal for surgery is that it helps my chronic constipation that has drastically reduced my quality of life in all possible ways. I’m planning on doing biofeedback therapy once I’ve recovered from the surgery, as kind of a rehabilitation/ compliment to the procedure.
Anyone experienced relief from constipation after rectocele repaid surgery? (I know things aren’t regular for about 8 weeks, but I’m talking about relief in the long-term). Was the surgery worth it? Any must have items/products for aftercare/ recovery period? Thank you in advance!!

Has anyone seen an improvement in rectocele from grade 2 to 1 through PT or general postpartum healing or weaning? I’m a first time mom, 2.5 months postpartum, and just realized I can actually see it in my vagina, and I’m majorly freaking out. I’ve been seeing a PT since around 4 weeks postpartum.

I’m a 32 y/o female that has never had kids.

I have been experiencing a fairly extreme rectocele and pelvic floor pain.

I’ve been working with PT’s, chiropractors, GI, OBGYN and colorectal surgeon to work through treatment solution options. I’ve worked through a lot of my hormonal and digestion issues at this point (luckily.) This condition is often hereditary.

I am now seriously contemplating surgery to treat the rectocele. They recommended a "Sigmoid Recession and Rectopexy" a laparoscopic procedure where they remove a section of the Sigmoid colon and reattach the rectum to the sacrum/ tailbone (This is the procedure they recommend for people with chronic constipation and a “redundant colon”) There is a (small) risk of needing a colonoscopy bag if the surgery fails (short and/or long term) and I’ve heard the rectopexy part of the procedure does usually need to be repaired every 5-10 years..

I am doing everything in my power to avoid surgery. This condition and my pelvic pain and pressure have stopped me from living a normal life.

I am not considering mesh! It’s not a viable option and terrifying that it is still on the market.

I'm looking to connect with others who have had a Rectopexy surgery! it's been really challenging to find information or success stories. I’m having issues trusting any surgeons. I’ve heard this procedure can be “really fantastic” “easy” and “not a big deal” but because of HIPPA laws my doctor can’t refer me to other patients who have had the procedure..

At a certain point the potential benefits of this procedure could outweigh the risks... I need to connect with others who have gone through this in order to weigh my options. It blows my mind how little information is shared between patients.

Happy to give more details if it helps. Thanks!

I have a Stage 3 rectocele and my major complaint of it is that I never can completely eliminate my bowels. It always feels like some gets “stuck” in there and it’s the worst feeling. I have tried a pessary and splinting but they haven’t helped. I find it hard to do the splinting with my fingers as I try to go. I just haven’t had success with it. Maybe I’m not doing it right though - open to any videos or tutorials or anything.

My gynecologist also said that I can do a small water enema after going to flush out what’s left in there and that has helped but it’s quite a nuisance! I’m just really frustrated as I feel like these are all bandaids and I need surgery to get my life back, but I can’t do that until I’m done having babies. We’re trying for #2 now so realistically I have to figure out how to live with this for a couple more years. I’m wondering if anyone has any advice or anything on how I can get through this? Maybe there’s another trick or device your gynecologist mentioned that could help? I’m desperate!

I’m also in physical therapy so I’m doing everything right to get my muscles stronger.

I had rectocele serial repair last week. I honestly can’t tell about the actual surgery pain because apparently I was positioned on my tail on the entire time which I already have an issue with. Waking up was excruciating pain with my tailbone. They told me I had to Urinate before I left or else I will go home with a catheter. Therefore I went home with a catheter. I went back a few days later to get it removed and to see if I could Urinate- lo and behold I could not. I left with another urinary cath. Went back a few more days later for the same procedure and I still cannot Urinate. Soooooo in goes another cath. Tomorrow will be 7 days since my surgery. I still haven’t passed stool. I am so discouraged.

But let me be clear. I’m discouraged because of my damn cath and the fact I look 8 months preggo because I can’t poop! I’m taking like all the stuff to make me go... so when I do- all hell will break loose. This is insane.

As far as a Rectocele repair - I’m sore. But that’s the least of my worries. Who would have thought! My birthday is tomorrow. And this is my littles 2nd Christmas so instead of giving all presents on Christmas Day- we are doing 12 days of Christmas so I can bring a little cheer to myself.

Anyone else in this awful boat?

Hi! I have a rectocele/prolapse of the rectum into my vagina and I’m curious if anyone else had experience with this. Apparently it’s very common! I already consulted my OBGYN and the said just to do kegels and referred me to pelvic floor PT. If you were diagnosed with the same thing post-partum and feel comfortable sharing I’d love to hear about it—how bad was it in the beginning, what did you do to help heal it, and what it’s like now!!

Specifically, Robotic Ventral Rectopexy?!!

Hello, I’m a 38 year old female, two kids with no plans to have anymore. I have a history of chronic constipation, developed a rectocele in 2015, which has gotten worse since then. Due to rectocele I am experiencing a major decline in quality of life- I am unable to fully evacuate if I’m lucky to even have a BM at all. Stomach is usually bloated, distended, crampy, always with a feeling like I need to poop but it never comes out.
I went today and had a defecography and exam (my second one since 2018). Rectocele has worsened, symptoms have worsened. I did do a series of biofeedback following my testing in 2018- it was moderately helpful. I’m seriously thinking of having surgical procedure of Robotic Ventral Rectopexy done. MD explained the procedure, explained 75% success rate, and that it might not get rid of all of my symptoms. But it’s sure it help a lot of my symptoms and help me feel better than I do now.
Has anyone had this done? I would do it and then go in for biofeedback sessions as this will be helpful to rehabilitate as I’m healing from surgery. MD said recovery is brief- I will be in pain and uncomfortable, with weight lifting restrictions, but certainly not bed bound for weeks on end. I would LOVE to hear your experiences, thoughts, comments on this. This group is really one of my major sources of support through my rectocele journey. Thank you all in advance for reading this!!

I'm the person who wrote up the big post a while ago about pelvic floor health and shared that I am experiencing some anal leakage. I saw a colorectal expert and he diagnosed me with a rectocele - apparently the pocket is small but it's leaning strongly into my vaginal wall? He confirmed my pelvic floor therapist's diagnosis, she thought I had one too. Weird bc most people I know with rectocele complain of constipation but that's not my issue, it's leakage. Anyways I'm 27 and this was after my first baby, very difficult vaginal delivery.

Anyone had successful treatment of rectocele? I've read that pt doesn't help much for this? He seemed very confident that surgery would successfully resolve it - 95% chance. I explained I haven't heard that high of a success rate and he said vaginally the success rate is not very good but rectally it is? Anyways, I wanted to know if anyone has successfully treated theirs, whether with PT or surgery.

P.S. He said eating a lot of fiber cures it 85% of the time, but I do eat a lot of fiber as well as take Metamucil daily and I still have the leakage, so I don't think that will cure it. I'm also only 2 months postpartum and breastfeeding, and I'm not sure if it's something that can heal up with time or as I stop breastfeeding?

Hi!

I am wondering if being able to physically feel an impending bowel movement through the vaginal wall with your fingers is normal.

I asked my gyno last week but I fear she misunderstood what I was saying; I feel like she thought I could just feel it, like a sensation in my vagina, when I was actively having a BM.

What I meant was that if I use my fingers I can physically feel it. I have used this to my aid, tbh, to assist a bowel movement.

Is what I just described bad for my pelvic floor health? Is being able to feel it normal or do I have a rectocele?

Hope this is okay to ask! I have IBS and was diagnosed via colonoscopy a few years ago. I saw a thread here and there re: rectoceles and figured it could be safe.

I’m three weeks PP. I noticed about a week ago that I had a pink bulge at the opening of my vagina. I was also extraordinarily constipated. I started taking stool softeners and the constipation has resolved (woohoo) but the bulge is still there. In doing some investigating I realized it’s a rectocele. If I push on it I can feel a neutral sensation in my butt area.

This is way more common than I thought, but because I don’t see my OB for another three weeks (don’t want to be exposed to covid so I’m not planning on going twice) I have so many questions. I read that rectocele never resolve on their own, and I’ve also read that this doesn’t apply to postpartum rectoceles since that tisssue is repairing itself. All I know is it hasn’t gotten better in the past week since I noticed it. It may even be worse :(

The upside, it doesn’t cause physical pain and I can poop now, but the anxiety is overwhelming. I’m afraid I’ll never be able to have sex again but my husband doesn’t seem to think that’ll be a problem forever. I know I should see a PT for pelvic floor but it would have to be telemedicine bc covid...and I’m afraid that won’t help me.

Has anyone else experienced this??

hello, i have not been officially diagnosed but i am 99% sure i have rectocele. i honestly don’t know too much about it, or how to help it. i have chronic constipation which is the cause of this, i’m currently trying to go to the bathroom but it’s been a few days. just taking my miralax like i usually do and waiting for it to soften up. i’m really dreading going to the bathroom because the rectocele makes it ten times harder to pass it. does anyone know any ways to make going to the bathroom easier with this? it just hurts so bad cause it angles weird and gets stuck and it’s the worst. i’m not sure how to make sure it angles smoothly and not get stuck. thank you for any and all advice

17f, 5'5, ~125lbs, white

Primary complaint: Worsening of Rectocele

Medical Issues: Rectocele(obviously) anxiety and depression, for which I'm on 40mg of Prozac

No drugs, alcohol or smoking

Back in May I noticed a lump in my vagina and I was really concerned, so I went to the doctor where she told me I had a rectocele, around Grade 2. She told me to do Kegel exercises and monitor my stools. However, despite doing those, it's just gotten worse and now I'd say it's a Grade 3 as when my rectum is full my vagina is completely closed off. I've also developed some urinary problems, like never feeling like I can fully empty, or unprompted peeing while pooping(if that makes sense). I'm now worried that it's advanced and I might have a cystocele too. Is there anything I can do to help this besides surgery? I'm young and worried about the consequences of that. Should I go see my doctor? My insurance isn't great and I don't want to go unless I have to.

(I have sent my OB a message already and am waiting to hear back)

I am about 4 months postpartum. I've been having a lot of trouble with bowel movements (pain/bleeding, straining even when I use stool softeners/fluids). A few weeks ago I noticed a large bulge in the back wall of my vagina. It's been getting larger, and now is low enough that I can see it while straining. I can't even insert a tampon, the bulge is so large. I'm 99% sure it's a rectocele.

So... what can I do about it?

Pelvic floor PT? Exercises?

Are there any things I should do/not do? (Stool softeners, laxatives, enemas? It's hard to avoid straining unless I use laxatives/softeners, but I wonder if your body gets dependent on them?

Backstory, my bowel movements were completely normal until my step-family moved into our apartment when I was 15. Our apartment is small with thin walls and (as stupid as this is) I became embarrassed about taking shits and so I started pushing on my perineum to be as quick as possible on the toilet.

I continued doing this until I was 20 and begun to notice that my bowels never felt fully empty and I would have to wipe myself myself multiple times to 'clean' my asshole (and even then it was never fully clean). You know how when you wipe after a shit and it's mostly a mucus type thing on the toilet paper? I haven't had that in years, when I wipe my asshole is still 'open' and I'm literally cleaning pure stool from the inside of my asshole, it can take 12 wipes sometimes.

And even after I've wiped and I'm 'clean', when I pee a few hours later and wipe my asshole there is still stool on it. My boyfriend has said that during sex he can often see that my asshole (when slightly stretched) has stool in the creases.

It's like no matter why type of stool that I have, whether it's runny, soft or hard.

I've researched and I definitely have a rectocele (I've put fingers in there and can feel a large empty pocket behind my sphincter that is full of stool), I've been trying pelvic floor exercises for the past 5 years but nothing has changed. I went to the doctor a few years ago who stuck her finger in my vagina said my pelvic floor was completely fine and basically waved me off (I dont have insurance and can't afford more hospital trips).

What can help repair a rectocele when you already have strong pelvic floor muscles.