Rectal Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Rectal Prolapse?
A colorectal surgeon, a doctor who operates on the colon and rectum, usually treats rectal prolapse. In adults, doctors most often treat it with surgery. A primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, can do the first checkup. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse happens when the rectum drops down through the anus. In a complete prolapse, the whole wall of the rectum drops through. In a partial prolapse, only the lining of the rectum drops through. It is relatively uncommon. In adults, it is more common in people older than age 50 and more common in women than in men.
Symptoms
The main symptom is a reddish mass that sticks out of the anus, especially after a bowel movement. It may bleed a little and can be uncomfortable and painful.
Other symptoms can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea, or both.
- A feeling that the rectum is not empty after a bowel movement.
- Blood and mucus passing from the rectum.
- Fecal incontinence, which means trouble controlling bowel movements.
Without treatment, constipation and bowel control problems may get worse.
Causes and who gets it
Experts are not sure what causes rectal prolapse. In adults, doctors often find a rectum that is not fixed in place. They also often find weak pelvic floor muscles, the muscles that support the organs in the pelvis. Weak anal sphincters, the muscles that close the anus, are also often found. In adults, it often happens in people with constipation, or with a muscle or nerve problem in the pelvic or genital area.
These things may raise the chance of rectal prolapse:
- Long-term constipation or straining during bowel movements.
- Long-term diarrhea.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Diseases that affect the nerves or tissues of the pelvic floor muscle.
- Intestinal infections with certain parasites.
- Pelvic surgery.
- Whooping cough.
Some women with rectal prolapse also have a rectocele, a bulge of the rectum into the vagina.
How doctors diagnose it
To diagnose it, doctors ask about your health history and symptoms. They also do a physical exam. If your doctor does not see the prolapse, you may be asked to strain as if you are having a bowel movement. Your provider may also do a rectal exam.
Doctors may order tests to confirm the diagnosis or to check for other problems. These tests may include:
- Defecography, a video test that shows how well the rectum holds and empties stool.
- Colonoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a tiny camera to look inside the colon.
- A lower GI series, which uses X-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to see the large intestine.
- A blood test to check for anemia if there is bleeding from the rectum.
Treatment
In adults, doctors most often treat rectal prolapse with surgery. The surgery repairs the weak muscles and removes or repositions part of the colon and rectum. In adults, surgery usually cures the prolapse. Even after surgery, rectal prolapse can happen again. Reducing or avoiding constipation can lower the chance that it will come back.
In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home, and the rectum is pushed back inside by hand. Your provider tells you how to do this. In children, doctors usually treat the cause, such as constipation or diarrhea. If the prolapse continues, surgery may be needed.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider right away if there is a rectal prolapse. If a prolapse is not treated, constipation and loss of bowel control may develop.
Get emergency medical care right away if the rectum cannot be pushed back inside the body. This is an emergency because it can cut off the blood supply to the part of the rectum that dropped out. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have heavy bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can check your symptoms, arrange first tests, and send you to a surgeon who treats rectal prolapse. They can also help coordinate follow-up care.
Common questions
Is rectal prolapse an emergency?
It is an emergency when the rectum cannot be pushed back inside the body. In that case, blood flow to the rectum can be cut off. For any other rectal prolapse, contact your provider right away.
Does rectal prolapse go back in by itself?
Not always, because the rectum may not go back inside the body on its own. Over time, the rectum may drop through the anus more often and more easily.
How is rectal prolapse treated in adults?
In adults, doctors most often treat rectal prolapse with surgery. Even after surgery, rectal prolapse can happen again. Reducing or avoiding constipation can lower the chance that it will happen again.
How is rectal prolapse treated in children?
In children, doctors usually treat the cause, such as constipation or diarrhea. If the prolapse continues, surgery may be needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Rectal prolapse
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Rectal Prolapse
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
