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Rectocele

A rectocele occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the end of the large intestine (rectum) in place are stretched or weakened. This can allow the rectum to move from its natural position and press against the back wall of the vagina. Sometimes the tissues separating the two are so weak that the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.

Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer R. Hugh Gorwill, MD
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated October 25, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 25, 2006
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