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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Rectocele

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the disease?

Treatment of rectocele is aimed at treating and reducing symptoms. These measures may help:

avoiding straining during bowel movements or heavy lifting

eating a healthy diet, especially one with more fiber

staying active

using stool softeners to keep stools soft

doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the rectum and vagina

using a pessary, which is a device fitted into the vagina to hold the rectum in place

using hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, for postmenopausal women, which may help to strengthen the muscles around the vagina and rectum

the use of surgery for severe or persistent symptoms, or for a progressive rectocele. The goal of the surgery is to move the rectum back into its normal position and hold it there. The muscles of the vagina and rectum can also be strengthened with surgery.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Medications used to treat constipation may cause side effects, including nausea, headache, or diarrhea. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Treatments such as activity and diet modifications might be lifelong. Recovery from surgery may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the procedure used.

How is the disease monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

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