Prolapsed rectum: living with it versus surgery

Stool can lodge is a prolapsed rectum as it is stretched out, often forming a pocket. I never (knowingly) had it protrude from the rectum.

The way to tell the difference, per Cleveland Clinic:

Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the anal canal and around the rectum. Symptoms include bleeding, itching, pain, swelling, and bulging veins.

Rectal prolapse
A condition where the rectum slips down into the anus. Symptoms include bleeding, a bulge outside the anus, itching, and the feeling of sitting on a ball.

Here are some other differences between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse:

Location
Hemorrhoids are located near the anal opening, while rectal prolapse involves a higher segment of the bowel.

Causes
Rectal prolapse is caused by weakened muscles that hold the rectum in place.

Treatment
Hemorrhoids can be treated to help patients feel more comfortable and avoid complications. Rectal prolapse usually requires surgery to fix.

Progression
Rectal prolapse tends to develop gradually, starting with the prolapse coming out after a bowel movement and then returning to its normal position.

Because neither condition has specific symptoms, it's important to see a medical specialist for a diagnosis. A doctor may perform a physical exam and request additional tests, such as an x-ray or anorectal manometry.

It sounds like prolapse. Came on rather quickly. Specifically after a fall on my left hip and bum
I’m concerned it could be from my severe lumbar stenosis wreaking havoc with nerve function. I’ve made an appointment
Thank you for your information
Vicki

I had this surgery 3 days after my 70th birthday. Recovery was not pleasant but eventually I felt really well. I'd do it again if it was needed.

I have some of what you have, but my prolapsed rectum is internal.

I was told, no coughing, no straining and no constipation could keep it from getting worse.

I eat the right foods (for me) and also take supplements so that I am not constipated.

When things go awry and I am constipated in the lower rectum due to the prolapse, I sit on a firm chair a special way to "contract" my internal prolapse. This induces a bowel movement. I do itthis way:

On a firm/hard chair, I sit on my left butt cheek only (leaning farther over to the left) and cross my right thigh over my left thigh, above the knee (leaning into it). Having a fullish belly (hot drink, hot cereal) helps too. The prolapse is pressed into a more normal constipation and I can clear the lodged stool.

This is an "engineering/plumbing" hack.

If I go down the surgery path at some point, I would only consider a Castle Connolly - listed surgeon for it. They are the best doctors. Researched. Listings cannot be bought. The company makes its money another way. Of course, there are non-listed excellent surgeons, but without an inside track on who those are, I will stick to this listing. It's never let me down.

Let us know how you are doing.

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.

It’s me…ejoy0513! I wrote the original post. So an update.

I had a rectoplexy using suspension in April 2024. The prep is ghastly but the surgery and recovery was not near as bad as I had feared. Constipation afterwards is real so drink water until you can’t drink water anymore, then repeat that every day.

Bad news though, it was not successful. I now have an anterior prolapse and will require surgery again. This time using mesh. I had read some horror stories involving mesh so I had intentionally steered away from surgeons that use it. Well now I am hoping I have found the best surgeon for the mesh procedure. In November ‘25 I will have all the testing repeated involving bladder and rectum. More updates to follow.