rectocele

American  

[rek-tuh-seel] / ˈrɛk təˌsil /

noun

1. a hernia of the rectum into the vagina.

---

rectocele British  

/ ˈrɛktəʊˌsiːl /

noun

1. pathol a protrusion or herniation of the rectum into the vagina

---

Etymology

Origin of rectocele

First recorded in 1855–60; rect(um) + -o- + -cele ¹

Example Sentences

The American Society for Colon and Rectal Surgeries estimates that 40% of women have a rectocele, yet most people don’t know the word.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2017

She told me that a rectocele occurs when the muscle between the rectum and vagina is so worn and thin that the rectum kind of pops out into the vagina.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2017

After learning about my rectocele, I went to see a pelvic floor specialist.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2017

Five years later, I started seeing a new gynecologist, who listened, examined me, and said, “Oh, yep, you’ve got a little rectocele in there.”

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2017