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Prolapsed rectum: living with it versus surgery

Digestive Health | Last Active: Oct 10, 2025 | Replies (82)

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Profile picture for marysue5 @marysue5

It sounds like you have a mild case at this time. Think carefully about having this surgery. Read the posts of those who have had it. I have had 3 surgeries for vaginal vault prolapse caused mostly from constipation. The same constipation that caused it creates surgical failure. I finally no longer have this bulge but now have a rectocele, which isn't causing too much of a problem overall. At least with vaginal vault prolapse, there are no moving parts if you are done having children and can still have sex. The vagina doesn't do much after birthing. This is not the case with the rectum, which we still need for evacuation. Nerves are involved and can be damaged. About a year ago, a rectal prolapse, which wasn't too bad got very bad after a bout with food poisoning and another case of stomach flu caused diarrhea. As long as I don't let myself get constipated I'm OK, although I wear tight shorts over my regular underwear with a pantie liner or a sanitary pad. I bought these shorts from a company called Marena. They are expensive, but worth it. I recently found a company called Underworks. They make underpants for vaginal vault prolapse but I find when the rectal prolapse is acting up because of trouble evacuating which creates a large bulge. they work very well. I bought 2 types of pants, a French cut brief and a boy cut/boxer style brief. I'm not overweight, but I find the regular brief is binding my legs (I may try the next larger size) but the boxer style #523 is working very well. They come in different colors and I like black. These are well priced compare to competitive products and I am going to get more pairs. They are made in America, which I also like. Surgery is not a cure all and from what I have read from people who have had it can cause a real nightmare. It would be a last resort for me. I have prayed for a solution and these pants may be it. I am also working on the constipation (still) and finally willing to give up cheese, which is one of my favorite foods. I have been taking 1 tablespoon of Metamucil with 8 ounces or more water every day and doing Kegals and exercises to improve the tone of the pelvic floor. This may be helping. I wish every woman on this board knew about the Underworks product. If you go to a surgeon you are going to get surgery and in this case I think you are taking a big risk. I hope and pray I can avoid it.

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Replies to "It sounds like you have a mild case at this time. Think carefully about having this..."

@marysue5 I just joined this Connect group and just resding about others who have rectal prolapse is so helpful. I am 72 yrs old, always had constipation problems….this rectal prolaspe started slowly about 15 yrs ago. Now it happens every day when I have a bm. I can push it back in, but it is a big buldge. Surgery was recommended to me 2 yrs ago when I finally consulted a dr…and I agree with you when you said “ I think you are taking a big risk”. I am managing right now although it
is always a big concern of mine. I just don’t want to have any surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. One day at a time….thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.