In a rectal prolapse, the lining of the rectum protrudes outside the anus. It is often a result of increased pressure in the abdomen due, for example, to constipation, pregnancy, or persistent coughing.
The condition is more common in women and older people, and may be a recurrent problem in those who have weak pelvic floor muscles.
Rectal prolapse also sometimes occurs temporarily in young children during toilet training. The main symptom is a lump protruding out of the anus.
Initially, this may appear only when straining to defecate and then it disappears when standing up, but later it may be present all the time. Other symptoms may include discomfort or pain when defecating, and bleeding and a discharge of mucus from the anus. If the prolapse is large, there may also be fecal incontinence.
In many cases, the prolapse can be treated by pushing it back, followed by treatment to relieve the cause, such as a high-fiber diet for constipation. Sometimes, however, surgery is needed to fix the rectum in position permanently