Rectal Prolapse Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Rectal Prolapse Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page Your rectum is the lower part of your colon, where stool forms. If the rectum drops out of its normal place within the body and pushes out of the anal opening, the condition is called rectal prolapse. In the early stages, a prolapse may happen only after a bowel movement. The protruding rectum may then slip back through the anal canal on its own. Over time, however, the prolapse may become more severe and could require surgery. Causes Rectal prolapse is usually caused by a weakening of the muscles that support the rectum. Symptoms Symptoms of rectal prolapse include: Feeling a bulge after coughing, sneezing, or lifting Having mucous discharge in your stool Pain and rectal bleeding Fecal incontinence Having to push the prolapse back into the anus by hand Feeling pressure in your rectum Being constipated Having anal pain, bleeding, or itching Risk factors Anyone can develop rectal prolapse, but women are more likely to have the condition than men. These are some conditions that may increase your risk for developing a rectal prolapse: A long history of constipation Straining to have bowel movements Chronic diarrhea Laxative abuse Childbirth Spinal cord problems or previous stroke Cystic fibrosis Aging or dementia Diagnosis Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose rectal prolapse with a medical history and a physical exam. You may be asked to squat and strain as if you are having a bowel movement. Your healthcare providers may also do other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests may include: Videofecogram. A type of X-ray taken during a bowel movement. Anorectal manometry. A pressure-measuring tube placed inside the rectum to measure how well the muscles that control bowel movements are working. Colonoscopy. A flexible tube with a camera placed inside the rectum so the healthcare provider can do a visual exam. Barium enema. X-ray pictures are taken after a type of contrast solution is placed in the rectum. Treatment Treatment often begins with steps to avoid constipation and straining. If your rectal prolapse is severe enough and interferes with your quality of life, your healthcare provider will probably recommend surgery. Types of surgery include: Repair done through the abdomen. A cut is made through the lower belly, and the rectum is attached to the lower part of the backbone to support it and keep it in place. Repair done through the rectum. During this operation, your surgeon must remove the part of the rectum that has prolapsed and join the two ends. Repair done by combining these techniques Complications These are the two main types of complications: A rectal prolapse that can't be pushed back into the rectum. This can cause the blood supply to the prolapse to be cut off. This complication is called strangulation. It's painful and needs emergency treatment. A rectal prolapse that happens again. This can happen up to 40% of the time. Following your healthcare provider's advice on lifestyle changes can help prevent recurrence. This includes eating a high-fiber diet and drinking enough water. When to call the healthcare provider Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms: Fever Chills Redness Swelling Bleeding Discharge Constipation Fecal Incontinence Managing rectal prolapse If you are recovering from rectal prolapse surgery, make sure to take your pain medicine as directed by your healthcare provider. Finish all antibiotics and don't take any over-the-counter medicine without talking with your surgeon. These tips for managing rectal prolapse before or after recovery from surgery may help: Avoid any activities that increase pressure in your rectal area, like straining to have a bowel movement or heavy lifting, for at least 6 months. Have any persistent cough treated by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may also urge you to stop smoking. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A high-fiber diet will help prevent constipation and straining. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. If you are constipated, ask your healthcare provider if you should take a stool softener or a bulk laxative. Stay active and get regular exercise. If you are overweight, try to get back to a healthy weight. Find a Doctor Specializing In: Anorectal Disorders At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Find a Treatment Center Find Additional Treatment Centers at: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Related Fecal Incontinence in Women: Q&A with an Expert Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction 5 “Little” Health Issues That May Be Bigger Than You Think Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor See More Related Fecal Incontinence Fecal Incontinence in Women: Q&A with an Expert Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction 5 “Little” Health Issues That May Be Bigger Than You Think