Rectal prolapse is most often caused by weakening of the muscles that support the rectum. This can happen from constipation, damage from giving birth, or defects in the pelvis or lower gastrointestinal tract.
Rectal prolapse is more common in people age 50 and older. Women are more likely to have the condition than men. Younger people with the condition often have chronic health conditions and take several medicines.
A person is more at Risk for rectal prolapse if they have any of the below:
- A long history of constipation
- Straining to have bowel movements
- Long-term (chronic) diarrhea
- Laxative abuse
- Childbirth
- Spinal cord problems or previous stroke
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. They can include:
- Feeling a bulge from the anus after coughing, sneezing, or lifting
- Having mucus in stool
- Straining to start or finish a bowel movement
- Having incomplete bowel movements
- Having belly (abdominal) discomfort or pain
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Trouble controlling bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
- Having to push the prolapse back into the anus by hand
- Feeling pressure in rectum
- Being constipated
- Having anal pain, bleeding, or itching
The 2 main possible Complications are:
- The rectal prolapse can’t be pushed back into the rectum. It can cause the blood supply to the prolapse to be cut off. This is called strangulation. It’s painful and needs emergency Treatment.
- The rectal prolapse happens again. This is common lifestyle changes can help prevent it happening again. That means preventing constipation. Lifestyle changes may include eating a high-fiber diet and drinking enough water.
Not straining during a bowel movement can help prevent the condition.
