Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFactsSymptomsWhen to Get HelpTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Facts

Symptoms

When to Get Help

Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Rectovaginal endometriosisis a subtype ofendometriosisin which the lining of the uterus (theendometrium) grows around the rectum, the vagina, and the structures between them. There is no cure for endometriosis. Rectovaginal endometriosis is the most severe form of endometriosis.

This article will discuss rectovaginal endometriosis, including general facts about the condition, symptoms, what to do if you think you may have it, treatment options, and more.

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Woman sitting at desk feeling pain in lower abdomen

Rectovaginal Endometriosis Facts

Understanding the incidence, location, and effect on bowel movements is essential for understanding rectovaginal endometriosis. Facts include:

Fluid in Anterior or Posterior Cul-de-Sac

Rectovaginal Symptoms and Pain

Symptoms of endometriosisoverall include:

Symptoms specific to rectovaginal endometriosis include:

It is important to note that not everyone with rectovaginal endometriosis will have symptoms. As well, the severity of symptoms experienced will vary based on the individual.

Other Common Sites for EndometriosisIn endometriosis, the endometrium can grow in locations such as:Fallopian tubesOvariesPelvic wall

Other Common Sites for Endometriosis

In endometriosis, the endometrium can grow in locations such as:Fallopian tubesOvariesPelvic wall

In endometriosis, the endometrium can grow in locations such as:

How Do I Know If I Have Bowel Endometriosis?

If You Suspect You Have Rectovaginal Endometriosis

See a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns if you suspect you have rectovaginal endometriosis. They will most likely ask about your symptoms and perform apelvic exam.

Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) colonography may be used to help make a diagnosis. That said, these tests cannot always detect abnormal tissue growth.

Laparoscopy(making small incisions and inserting a camera and surgical tools) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and for treatment.

Diagnostic Delays

Treatment Options for Relief

There are various treatment options to help relieve the symptoms associated with rectovaginal endometriosis.

Hormonal birth control may be recommended, either as oral pills or implants.Pain-relieving medications may also be recommended.

Surgery

Surgery is often used to remove excess endometrial tissue in rectovaginal endometriosis. This is usually recommended for severe cases in which the tissue could cause complications. A 2013 study found that surgery can improve up to 70% of symptoms for rectovaginal endometriosis.

Bowel prep is a necessary component for endometriosis surgery. Bowel prep cleanses the bowel so the surgery can be done safely.A bowel prep includes a liquid diet and consuming a mixture that helps empty the bowels. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential concerns you may have and confirm what liquids are allowed.

After your surgery, your healthcare provider will provide post-op instructions. Be sure to follow these carefully.

Possible complications from surgery include:

Summary

Rectovaginal endometriosis is a subset of endometriosis in which the endometrium extends to the vagina, rectum, and the structures between them. Symptoms include painful bowel movements, severe stomach pain, bloating, and more.

While diagnosis can be difficult and take time, those who suspect they have any type of endometriosis should consult a healthcare provider regarding their symptoms. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment options are available, including hormonal treatment and surgery.

Frequently Asked QuestionsEndometriosis in or on the rectum has a number of symptoms including painful bowel movements, difficulty or straining while having a bowel movement, rectal bleeding that can accompany menstrual bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea.Learn MoreStraining on the ToiletUntreated rectovaginal endometriosis can be dangerous if the excess tissue causes bowel obstructions. Bowel obstructions can lead to a hole in the bowel or decrease blood supply to the bowel. Both of these can be fatal.Learn MoreBowel ObstructionColonoscopies have not been found to be an effective diagnostic tool for rectovaginal endometriosis. Because it is an invasive and ineffective procedure, a colposcopy is not recommended to diagnose rectovaginal endometriosis.Learn MoreWhat Is Colonoscopy?

Endometriosis in or on the rectum has a number of symptoms including painful bowel movements, difficulty or straining while having a bowel movement, rectal bleeding that can accompany menstrual bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea.Learn MoreStraining on the Toilet

Endometriosis in or on the rectum has a number of symptoms including painful bowel movements, difficulty or straining while having a bowel movement, rectal bleeding that can accompany menstrual bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea.

Learn MoreStraining on the Toilet

Untreated rectovaginal endometriosis can be dangerous if the excess tissue causes bowel obstructions. Bowel obstructions can lead to a hole in the bowel or decrease blood supply to the bowel. Both of these can be fatal.Learn MoreBowel Obstruction

Untreated rectovaginal endometriosis can be dangerous if the excess tissue causes bowel obstructions. Bowel obstructions can lead to a hole in the bowel or decrease blood supply to the bowel. Both of these can be fatal.

Learn MoreBowel Obstruction

Colonoscopies have not been found to be an effective diagnostic tool for rectovaginal endometriosis. Because it is an invasive and ineffective procedure, a colposcopy is not recommended to diagnose rectovaginal endometriosis.Learn MoreWhat Is Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies have not been found to be an effective diagnostic tool for rectovaginal endometriosis. Because it is an invasive and ineffective procedure, a colposcopy is not recommended to diagnose rectovaginal endometriosis.

Learn MoreWhat Is Colonoscopy?

5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moawad NS, Caplin A.Diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal endometriosis.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:753-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S37846Endometriosis.org.Myths and misconceptions in endometriosis.Soliman AM, Fuldeore M, Snabes MC.Factors associated with time to endometriosis diagnosis in the United States.J Womens Health (Larchmt)2017;26:788–797. doi:10.1089/jwh.2016.6003Endometriosis.org.How to survive a bowel preparation.Milone M, Mollo A, Musella M, et al.Role of colonoscopy in the diagnostic work-up of bowel endometriosis.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(16):4997-5001. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.4997

5 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moawad NS, Caplin A.Diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal endometriosis.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:753-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S37846Endometriosis.org.Myths and misconceptions in endometriosis.Soliman AM, Fuldeore M, Snabes MC.Factors associated with time to endometriosis diagnosis in the United States.J Womens Health (Larchmt)2017;26:788–797. doi:10.1089/jwh.2016.6003Endometriosis.org.How to survive a bowel preparation.Milone M, Mollo A, Musella M, et al.Role of colonoscopy in the diagnostic work-up of bowel endometriosis.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(16):4997-5001. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.4997

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Moawad NS, Caplin A.Diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal endometriosis.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:753-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S37846Endometriosis.org.Myths and misconceptions in endometriosis.Soliman AM, Fuldeore M, Snabes MC.Factors associated with time to endometriosis diagnosis in the United States.J Womens Health (Larchmt)2017;26:788–797. doi:10.1089/jwh.2016.6003Endometriosis.org.How to survive a bowel preparation.Milone M, Mollo A, Musella M, et al.Role of colonoscopy in the diagnostic work-up of bowel endometriosis.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(16):4997-5001. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.4997

Moawad NS, Caplin A.Diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal endometriosis.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:753-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S37846

Endometriosis.org.Myths and misconceptions in endometriosis.

Soliman AM, Fuldeore M, Snabes MC.Factors associated with time to endometriosis diagnosis in the United States.J Womens Health (Larchmt)2017;26:788–797. doi:10.1089/jwh.2016.6003

Endometriosis.org.How to survive a bowel preparation.

Milone M, Mollo A, Musella M, et al.Role of colonoscopy in the diagnostic work-up of bowel endometriosis.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(16):4997-5001. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.4997

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