What causes an enterocele?

What causes an enterocele?

An enterocele occurs when muscles, connective tissues and ligaments in the pelvic region (pelvic floor) stretch or tear. These muscles and tissues support the bowels, uterus and vagina.

The small intestine is part of the digestive system. Typically, muscles and ligaments hold the small intestine in the lower abdomen (belly) and upper pelvis. Weak tissues allow the organ to slip lower into the pelvic area between the vagina and rectum. The small intestine then presses against the upper wall of the vagina.

An enterocele, or small bowel prolapse, may occur along with other pelvic organ prolapses, such as:

• Bladder prolapse (cystocele).
• Rectal prolapse (rectocele), a hernia that presses against the back wall of the vagina.
• Urethra prolapse (urethrocele).
• Uterine prolapse.
• Vaginal prolapse.