Rectal Prolapse

The rectum is the area where your stools are stored before bowel movements. Rectal prolapse occurs when your rectum turns inside out and comes out of your anus. The rectum will eventually need to be pushed back manually.

Women during and after pregnancy and children below the age of three are most likely to suffer from rectal prolapse. There are three types of rectal prolapse:

• Internal prolapse

The rectum has prolapsed, but hasn’t yet slipped through the anus.

• Mucosal prolapse

The inside of the rectum protrudes through the anus.

• External prolapse

The entire thickness of the rectum protrudes through the anus.

• Rectal Prolapse

It’s not easy to pinpoint any one cause for rectal prolapse. But some of the common causes of rectal prolapse include chronic constipation, immense straining while passing stool, weakening of anal muscles due to old age, trauma in the lower back, genetic disorders, rare Australian viral disease, dysplacia etc.

It is highly problematic and will require immediate expert intervention in order to prevent further damage and infection. Rectal prolapse can affect further bowel movements if it is not treated in time. It is commonly known as a geriatric disease but many people below the age of 60 are prone to it too.