Picture of a vaginal prolapse

Back to Pelvic organ prolapse. You may not need any treatment if the prolapse is mild to moderate and not causing any pain or discomfort. Your doctor should offer you the full range of treatments and explain the possible benefits and risks of each option. This will help you choose the right one for you. If you do not have any symptoms or the prolapse is mild, making some lifestyle changes may help and could stop the prolapse getting worse. Doing pelvic floor exercises will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and may well relieve your symptoms.

A posterior vaginal prolapse, also known as a rectocele, occurs when the wall of fibrous tissue that separates the rectum from the vagina weakens. When this happens, tissues or structures just behind the vaginal wall — in this case, the rectum — can bulge into the vagina. A posterior vaginal prolapse occurs when the thin wall of tissue that separates the rectum from the vagina weakens, allowing the vaginal wall to bulge. Posterior vaginal prolapse is also called a rectocele REK-toe-seel. Childbirth and other processes that put pressure on pelvic tissues can lead to posterior vaginal prolapse. A small prolapse may cause no signs or symptoms.

Learn what can cause the vagina and other pelvic organs to fall from their normal position. Vaginal prolapse happens when the vagina falls from its normal location inside the pelvis toward the opening of the vagina. In severe cases of prolapse, the vagina may protrude outside the vaginal opening.

Medically reviewed by Drugs. Last updated on Feb 13, In women, the vagina is separated from the rectum by a firm wall of tough, fibrous tissue called fascia. Sometimes, an area of this wall gets weak, and part of the rectum bulges into the vagina.