Rectal Disorders
Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence
Inability to control bowel gas, liquid, or solid stool. This is a highly embarrassing and disabling condition that can make normal activities difficult or impossible to do.
Symptoms: Loss of bowel gas, liquid or solid stool which may happen daily or less often
Treatment: Dietary modification, behavioral and physical therapy, nerve stimulation procedures
Chronic Constipation
Constipation is not a normal part of life when it occurs on a weekly or daily basis. The straining to have a bowel movement can cause pain and affect the bladder or vaginal function as well as directly injure the pelvic floor.
Symptoms: Hard stools which may be painful often associated with straining. The frequency of bowel movements may vary.
Treatment: Dietary management including fiber supplementation, physical and behavioral therapy, medication.
Rectocele
Herniation of the rectum into the vagina. It is often associated with a history of chronic constipation.
Symptoms: Pelvic or rectal pressure, difficulty fulling emptying the rectum, the sensation of a bulge in the vagina, soiling of underwear.
Treatment: Physical and behavioral therapy, medication, mechanical support devices (pessary), and surgery.
