What Is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum loses its normal support and slips downward. In some patients, the rectum folds into itself internally. In others, the rectal tissue protrudes through the anus, especially during bowel movements or straining. Symptoms may range from a mild sense of pressure to visible tissue coming out of the rectum.

Patients often have questions about what rectal prolapse means, how serious it is, and whether it is the same as hemorrhoids. Understanding the condition is the first step toward recognizing symptoms early and knowing when specialist evaluation is needed.

What Is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse happens when the normal structures that support the rectum weaken, allowing the rectum to descend.

What This Can Mean

• The rectum may fold inward without coming outside the body
• The tissue may protrude through the anus
• Symptoms may occur only during bowel movements at first
• The prolapse may become more frequent or more visible over time

The condition may start gradually and worsen if the underlying support problem is not addressed.

Learn more:
👉 Rectal Prolapse

How Do You Know If You Have Rectal Prolapse?

Patients may notice symptoms that suggest the rectum is no longer staying in its normal position.

Common Clues

• Tissue protruding from the anus
• A feeling that something is falling out
• Mucus drainage
• Rectal bleeding
• Difficulty emptying the bowels
• Stool leakage or reduced control of gas

Some patients first notice the prolapse after straining, while others describe a feeling of fullness or incomplete evacuation.

Learn more:
👉 Rectal Prolapse Symptoms

What Is the Difference Between Internal and External Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse can be classified by whether the tissue comes outside the anus.

Internal Rectal Prolapse

• The rectum folds inward
• Tissue does not protrude outside the anus
• Symptoms may include constipation, incomplete emptying, or pressure

External Rectal Prolapse

• Rectal tissue protrudes through the anus
• The prolapse may come out only during bowel movements at first
• In more advanced cases, the tissue may stay out longer or need to be pushed back in

This distinction can affect both symptoms and treatment planning.

What Is Partial or Mucosal Rectal Prolapse?

Partial or mucosal prolapse involves protrusion of only the inner lining of the rectum rather than the full thickness of the rectal wall.

This may:

• Look different from full-thickness prolapse
• Cause protruding tissue, irritation, or bleeding
• Be confused with hemorrhoids in some patients

A medical examination is often needed to tell the difference between mucosal prolapse, hemorrhoids, and full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Is Rectal Prolapse the Same as Hemorrhoids?

No. Although both conditions can cause protruding tissue and rectal bleeding, they are not the same.

Rectal Prolapse

• Involves descent of rectal tissue
• May cause mucus drainage, leakage, and difficulty emptying

Hemorrhoids

• Are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum
• More commonly cause bleeding, itching, or localized swelling

Because the appearance can overlap, self-diagnosis is not always accurate.

Learn more:
👉 Rectal Prolapse vs Hemorrhoids

Can Rectal Prolapse Be Treated?

Yes. Treatment depends on the type of prolapse, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.

Possible treatment approaches may include:

• Bowel regulation and constipation treatment
• Avoidance of straining
• Pelvic floor support in selected cases
• Surgical repair for persistent or full-thickness prolapse

In adults, full-thickness rectal prolapse often requires surgery for definitive treatment.

Learn more:
👉 Rectal Prolapse Treatment Without Surgery
👉 Rectal Prolapse Procedures

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical evaluation if:

• Tissue comes out of the anus repeatedly
• You have bleeding, mucus drainage, or stool leakage
• You are unsure whether the problem is prolapse or hemorrhoids
• Constipation or incomplete emptying is getting worse
• The tissue becomes painful, swollen, dark, or difficult to reduce

Early diagnosis helps guide the most appropriate treatment and may prevent symptoms from worsening.

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