What Causes Rectal Prolapse?

Though a relatively uncommon one, rectal prolapse is a rather uncomfortable colorectal condition. Though it may sometimes correct itself on its own, some prolapses are bad enough to require medical intervention. But what is a rectal prolapse, and what causes it? Stay tuned and find out!

What Is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum (the very lower portion of the colon) slips outside– or begins to slip outside– the anal opening. This condition can be very painful– especially for patients who end up with a complete prolapse. But how does rectal prolapse happen in the first place?

Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse

At first, you may only experience a rectal prolapse during or after bowel movements; however, over time it can prolapse outside the anus long term, requiring medical treatment. Other symptoms of rectal prolapse to look out for include:

  • Feeling a large mass just outside your anus

  • Pain in and around the anus

  • Seeing a visible, red mass outside the anus

  • Blood in the stool or other visible bleeding from the rectum

Types of Rectal Prolapse

There are a few different types of rectal prolapse, based on the severity of the prolapse.

  • Internal Prolapse: The rectum has begun to enter the anus but does not yet extend beyond it.

  • Partial Prolapse: The rectum is just beginning to extend past the anus and may barely be visible on the body’s exterior.

  • Complete Prolapse: The rectum has extended well past the anus and is very visible on the exterior of the body.

What Causes Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse causes can vary from person to person, so unfortunately, there’s no one, straightforward answer. For some individuals, prolonged constipation or diarrhea can cause rectal prolapse; the constant pressure associated with attempting to defecate can loosen the anal sphincter. When this band of muscular tissue becomes too loose, the inner part of the rectum can become forced outward– especially under pressure.

Additional causes of rectal prolapse include aging (since our muscles naturally weaken as we age) and previous damage to the pelvic floor, as in, for example, during childbirth. 

How Is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed?

Your colorectal specialist will very likely be able to make a diagnosis based on the physical appearance of your extra-anal mass alone. However, in some cases, your doctor may want to verify that the mass is non-cancerous– especially if it doesn’t have all of the normal qualities of a rectal prolapse mass. This shouldn’t scare you; it’s better to have all of the facts in advance so that you can live your best, healthiest life moving forward.

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you’re wondering how to fix rectal prolapse, there are a few ways in which your colorectal specialist can help you: at-home remedies such as pelvic floor exercises and pelvic rest, and surgical treatment. With at-home treatments, there is no guarantee that your rectal prolapse will not recur. Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we highly recommend that you have your prolapse surgically fixed; surgical repair will ensure that your prolapse does not recur, eliminating issues in the future.

Colorectal Services in Tampa Bay

Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we can help you identify, diagnose, and treat common colorectal issues– all with the discreet help of one of our colorectal specialists.