Overview
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, the lowest part of the intestine, slips outside the anus, the opening at the end of the digestive tract. This condition may cause pain but is rarely a medical emergency. It is typically treated with medications and often requires surgery. Symptoms may include difficulty controlling bowel movements, constipation, blood or mucus leaking from the rectum, and a sensation that the rectum is not empty after a bowel movement. The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unknown, but risk factors include being female, advanced age, and constipation.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of rectal prolapse include:
- A reddish lump that comes out of the anus, often while straining during a bowel movement.
- The lump may slip back inside the anus, or it may continue to be seen.
- Loss of bowel control or fecal incontinence.
- Constipation or loose stools.
- Leaking blood or mucus from the rectum.
- Feeling that your rectum isn't empty after a bowel movement. Please consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing rectal prolapse include being female, age over 50, and having constipation.
Development
The various types of rectal prolapse develop when the rectum's muscles and connective tissues weaken or stretch, allowing the rectum to slip out of its normal position and protrude through the anus. The exact cause of rectal prolapse is often unclear, and it may not be related to childbirth as commonly believed. Some factors that increase the risk of rectal prolapse include being female, being over 50 years old, and experiencing constipation. Hemorrhoids, loss of storage capacity in the rectum due to scarring or stiffening, surgery involving the rectum, and rectal prolapse itself can contribute to fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence can also result from other conditions such as persistent urinary incontinence due to pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or other factors.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if rectal prolapse is suspected. Rectal prolapse might not be an emergency, but it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any symptoms like a reddish lump coming out of your anus, difficulty controlling bowel movements, constipation, loose stools, leaking blood or mucus, or a feeling that your rectum isn't empty after a bowel movement, consult a doctor.
Diagnosis
To diagnose rectal prolapse, your healthcare provider may perform a digital rectal exam. During the exam, they will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check the strength of your sphincter muscles and to check for any problems in the rectal area. Your provider may also ask you to bear down, which can help determine if rectal prolapse is present. Other diagnostic tests, such as anal manometry, defecography, and colonoscopy, may also be recommended to help diagnose and rule out other related health problems.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of rectal prolapse may include:
- Fecal incontinence: Rectal prolapse can damage the muscles and nerves that control the rectal sphincter, leading to loss of bowel control and fecal incontinence.
- Fecal impaction: Straining to pass stool due to rectal prolapse can cause fecal impaction, where hard, stubborn stool becomes stuck in the rectum.
- Inflammation and infection: Rectal prolapse can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection in the rectum and surrounding tissues.
- Tissue damage and ulceration: Prolonged prolapse can result in damage to the rectal lining, leading to ulceration and bleeding.
- Strangulation: In severe cases, the prolapsed rectum can become trapped or strangulated, cutting off blood flow and potentially causing tissue damage or necrosis. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience rectal prolapse symptoms or complications.
Home Remedies
For rectal prolapse, the following home remedies can be helpful:
- Practice pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs and help prevent rectal prolapse.
- Avoid bladder irritants: Limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, as they can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can help reduce pressure on the pelvic muscles and minimize the risk of rectal prolapse.
- Emphasize high-fiber foods: Increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements.
- Lift heavy objects carefully: When lifting heavy objects, always bend from your knees, not your waist, to reduce the risk of straining. Please note that these home remedies may not cure rectal prolapse, and surgery is usually needed for proper treatment. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
Surgery is usually needed to treat rectal prolapse. However, there are other treatments as well. Treatment options may include stool softeners, suppositories, and other medicines to alleviate symptoms. Pelvic floor exercises, avoiding bladder irritants, eating fiber, and quitting smoking are additional recommendations to help manage the condition. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing and treating rectal prolapse.