Rectal Prolapse: Care Instructions

Overview

A rectal prolapse happens when part or all of the wall of the rectum slides out of place and sticks out of the anus. It may be a partial prolapse, where only part of the lining of the rectum slides out of place. Or it may be a complete prolapse, where the entire wall of the rectum slides out of place.

Many things increase your chance of having a rectal prolapse. These include:

• Straining during bowel movements.
• Tissue damage from surgery or childbirth.
• Weakness of pelvic floor muscles as people get older.

Your doctor may diagnose a rectal prolapse by asking questions about your symptoms and doing a rectal exam. Home treatment often helps the problem, but you may need surgery.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water, and eat fruits, vegetables, and other foods that contain fiber. Changes in diet often are enough to improve or reverse a partial prolapse.
• Try Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area. You do Kegel exercises by tightening your muscles as if you were holding back urine or gas.
• Don't strain during a bowel movement. Use a stool softener if you need to.
• If it happens again, and if your doctor says it's okay, you can push the prolapse back into place.