Rectal prolapse occurs when rectal tissue descends downward and may protrude through the anus, especially during bowel movements or straining. Patients may notice a bulge from the rectum, pressure, mucus drainage, bleeding, difficulty emptying, or stool leakage.

Symptoms can begin gradually and may be intermittent at first. In some cases, the prolapse only appears with straining and then goes back in on its own. In more advanced cases, the tissue may remain outside the body or require manual reduction.

What Are Rectal Prolapse Symptoms?

Rectal prolapse symptoms vary depending on whether the prolapse is internal or extends outside the anus.

Common presentations include:

• Tissue protruding from the anus
• A feeling of rectal fullness or pressure
• Mucus discharge
• Rectal bleeding
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Stool leakage or reduced control of gas

Some patients first notice prolapse after a bowel movement, while others experience a chronic sensation of incomplete emptying or pelvic pressure.

Common Symptoms Associated With Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse may occur alone or together with other symptoms. Patients frequently report:

• A red bulge coming out of the anus
• A feeling that something is falling out
• Constipation or obstructed bowel movements
• The need to strain excessively
• Incomplete evacuation
• Mucus drainage or irritation
• Fecal incontinence or soiling

In some cases, symptoms worsen over time as the prolapse becomes more frequent or more difficult to reduce.

What Does Rectal Prolapse Feel Like?

The way rectal prolapse feels can vary from person to person.

Pressure or Fullness

Many patients describe:

• A sensation of pressure in the rectum
• A feeling of tissue slipping out
• Pelvic heaviness
• The urge to have another bowel movement even after emptying

Difficulty Emptying

Some patients experience:

• Obstructed defecation
• Incomplete emptying
• Repeated trips to the bathroom
• The need to manually assist bowel movements

Leakage or Irritation

Others may notice:

• Mucus seepage
• Moisture or irritation around the anus
• Difficulty controlling stool or gas

Common Causes of Rectal Prolapse Symptoms

Rectal prolapse symptoms develop when the rectum loses normal support and descends downward.

Common contributing factors include:

Chronic Constipation

Repeated straining can place long-term stress on the rectum and pelvic floor.

Pelvic Floor Weakness

Weakening of the pelvic support structures can allow the rectum to descend or protrude.

Childbirth

Prior childbirth may contribute to pelvic floor injury in some patients.

Aging

Rectal prolapse becomes more common with age as tissues lose strength and support.

Chronic Diarrhea or Bowel Dysfunction

Frequent bowel irritation or abnormal bowel habits may worsen prolapse-related symptoms in some cases.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical evaluation is recommended if rectal prolapse symptoms:

• Occur repeatedly
• Cause bleeding or mucus drainage
• Are associated with stool leakage
• Make bowel movements difficult
• Require pushing tissue back in
• Become more frequent or more severe

Even when symptoms seem mild at first, a physician should evaluate persistent or recurrent prolapse to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

How Rectal Prolapse Is Evaluated

Evaluation often begins with a medical history and physical examination. Depending on symptoms, additional tests may include:

• Anorectal examination
• Examination during straining
• Defecography
• Anorectal manometry
• Colonoscopy in selected patients

These tests help determine whether the prolapse is internal or external and whether pelvic floor dysfunction or other colorectal conditions are also present.

Related Conditions

Rectal prolapse symptoms may overlap with several anorectal and pelvic floor disorders, including:

• Hemorrhoids
• Rectal mucosal prolapse
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Rectocele
• Constipation
• Rectal Bleeding

For detailed explanations of these conditions, see:

• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Rectal Bleeding
• Rectal Prolapse Treatment

Treatment for Rectal Prolapse Symptoms

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and whether the prolapse is internal, intermittent, or full-thickness.

Some cases may improve symptomatically with bowel regulation, constipation management, and avoidance of straining, while more advanced prolapse often requires procedural or surgical treatment.

Learn more about treatment options:

• Rectal Prolapse Treatment
• Rectal Prolapse Procedures
• Constipation Treatment

When to Seek Urgent Care

Immediate medical attention should be sought if rectal prolapse occurs with:

• Severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Dark, dusky, or black tissue
• Tissue that cannot be pushed back in
• Rapid swelling or worsening symptoms

These symptoms may indicate incarceration or impaired blood supply requiring urgent treatment.

Expert Evaluation in Phoenix, Scottsdale & Glendale

Rectal prolapse symptoms should not be ignored. A thorough evaluation by a colorectal specialist helps determine the cause, confirm the diagnosis, and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Dr. Aisha Akhtar provides expert diagnosis and management of rectal prolapse and other colorectal conditions in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale, Arizona.

📞 Appointment: 602-932-5660

Learn More About Rectal prolapse

You may also explore these guides:

• Rectal prolapse Overview
• Rectal prolapse Symptoms
• Rectal prolapse Procedures
• Rectal prolapse FAQ
• Rectal prolapse Images & Diagrams