Rectal prolapse may feel like tissue slipping or falling out, pressure in the rectum, a bulge at the anus, or incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. Some patients describe a sensation of sitting on a small ball. Others mainly notice mucus, dampness, or difficulty controlling gas or stool.
Rectal prolapse is not always painful, and symptoms may come and go at first.
Patients may describe:
Some people have discomfort, irritation, or pressure rather than sharp pain. Exposed tissue can become sore, swollen, or irritated, especially when prolapse remains outside or rubs against clothing.
Sudden severe pain is not a typical symptom to ignore. Seek urgent care if severe pain occurs with trapped, swollen, dark, or dusky tissue.
Internal prolapse does not extend outside the anus, so there may be no visible bulge. Possible symptoms include obstructed defecation, repeated straining, incomplete evacuation, rectal pressure, or the need to manually assist a bowel movement.
These symptoms overlap with several pelvic-floor disorders. Defecography or other testing may be needed when internal prolapse is suspected.
Hemorrhoids may cause bleeding, itching, localized swelling, or pain when an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed. Rectal prolapse is more likely to cause a larger protrusion, a falling-out sensation, mucus drainage, incomplete emptying, or stool leakage.
Symptoms alone cannot reliably establish the diagnosis. Read rectal prolapse versus hemorrhoids.
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms recur, tissue protrudes, manual reduction is needed, or pressure is associated with bleeding, mucus drainage, constipation, incomplete emptying, or stool leakage.
For a complete symptom overview, visit rectal prolapse symptoms. For educational illustrations, see rectal prolapse images.
Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD evaluates rectal prolapse and related pelvic-floor symptoms for patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Schedule an Evaluation or call 602-932-5660.
This page provides general education and does not replace a medical examination.
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Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD provides expert evaluation and treatment of rectal prolapse, including assessment of associated constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and fecal incontinence. She offers individualized care ranging from symptom-directed conservative management to advanced surgical repair when indicated.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Amazing staff and Doctor. So caring and make you feel welcome ”
“ Dr Akhtar has a wonderful bedside manner, explains everything thoroughly and is an exceptionally skilled surgeon. We love her. :) ”
“ Friendly office and excellent doctor ”
“ Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for... Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for a colonoscopy next month. ”
“ Very professional & kind ! ”
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