Signs of Rectal Prolapse: When to See a Specialist

Rectal prolapse can be difficult to recognize, partly because of its symptoms’ similarity to those of hemorrhoids. But the former condition is actually much more difficult to manage, and for many people, it becomes a serious interruption of their day-to-day lives. Let us give you the skinny on this condition and when to seek help from a medical professional. 

At Boca Care Surgical Associates, we take colorectal problems seriously. They’re uncomfortable and embarrassing, and many patients suffer through them because they don’t want the stigma of seeking help for them. 

But Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, wants you to know that help is available, whether with surgery or a less invasive treatment, and with it, you’ll be able to drastically improve your quality of life.   

Rectal prolapse: What it is and why it happens

Rectal prolapse means that the rectum has protruded out from the anus. The rectum is the area that connects your anus to your large intestine. When waste moves into this area of the body, you’ll feel an urge to make a bowel movement. It needs to work properly for it to operate this way, and rectal prolapse is a sign that something is definitely wrong. 

But why does this happen? Generally, it’s caused by a loosening (or loss of toning) in the muscles of the bowels. This may happen for a number of reasons. One of the most common is childbirth. The act of bearing down while in labor can weaken these muscles, leading to prolapse before or after the experience. 

Other common causes are chronic constipation, which can lead to an overuse of the muscles and finally loss of muscle tone, and even certain neurological issues. Whatever the case, it’s important to be able to identify rectal prolapse so that you can know when to ask for help. 

How do you know it’s rectal prolapse (not hemorrhoids)?

As previously stated, it’s common to confuse rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids. The latter is more prevalent and much more discussed, even though both can be embarrassing, and many patients don’t want to seek help for either. But how do you know you’ve got a much worse problem on your hands? 

For one, rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids both cause something to protrude from the anus. Hemorrhoids are usually round and form clusters, kind of like grapes, while rectal prolapse creates one large protrusion. 

Hemorrhoids can also be pushed back into the body, whereas, at least during the early stages of rectal prolapse, the protrusion usually disappears back inside the body on its own after a bowel movement. 

However, if the condition isn’t managed over time, rectal prolapse will worsen. You may notice the protrusion doesn’t retreat into the body and can’t be pushed back inside. When sitting down, it may feel like you’re sitting on a ball. It will feel very uncomfortable. 

Itchiness is common with hemorrhoids, but not usually with rectal prolapse. Instead, you’ll notice more issues with fecal incontinence. It will become harder to hold your bowel movements, and you may even experience discharge. You may also have the opposite problem, noticing that you struggle to defecate. These are both strong signs of prolapse. 

When to seek help

All of these issues are cause for alarm, but specifically if you notice your protrusion cannot be manually pressed back inside the body, you need to get help right away. This could be a medical emergency, as it may be cutting off the blood supply to this part of the body. However, any of the issues above is cause for concern. 

Rectal prolapse often requires minimally invasive surgery. The rectum may need to be moved surgically in order for it to sit inside the body properly, and even part of it may need to be removed for you to be able to use the bathroom comfortably. In some cases, medications such as stool softeners may be enough to manage the condition, but this depends heavily on your specific situation.  

Should I seek help now?

If you notice a protrusion that could be rectal prolapse and are experiencing issues like fecal incontinence or constipation, you’ll be much better off seeking help for the problem sooner rather than later. Don’t be too embarrassed to seek help; let us provide the support you need. 

Our office in Boca Raton, FL, offers consultations and treatment for colorectal issues, many of which can be managed with robotic surgery. To make an appointment, just visit us online or call today.