Feeling a Bulge? Why Your Rectum Is Prolapsing & Medical Next Steps

Noticing a bulge or tissue coming out of your anus can feel alarming. Many people describe it as "something falling out" or a soft, red lump that appears during a bowel movement. One possible cause is rectal prolapse — a condition where part or all of the rectum slips out of its normal position and protrudes through the anus.

While rectal prolapse can be uncomfortable and distressing, it is treatable. Understanding why it happens and what to do next can help you move forward confidently and safely.

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What Is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the last part of the large intestine) loses its normal support and slides down through the anal opening.

There are different types:

• Partial (mucosal) prolapse: Only the lining of the rectum protrudes.
• Complete prolapse: The entire wall of the rectum protrudes outside the body.
• Internal prolapse (intussusception): The rectum folds in on itself but does not exit the body.

Complete prolapse is more common in older adults, especially women, but it can occur in men and younger individuals as well.

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What Does Rectal Prolapse Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

• A visible bulge or red mass coming from the anus
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the rectum
• Mucus discharge
• Fecal leakage (incontinence)
• Constipation or difficulty passing stool
• A sensation that you haven't fully emptied your bowels
• Bleeding from the rectum

Early on, the prolapse may only happen during bowel movements and go back inside on its own. Over time, it may require manual pushing to return it inside — or it may remain outside.

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Why Does Rectal Prolapse Happen?

Rectal prolapse usually develops due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues. Several factors can increase your risk:

Chronic Straining

Frequent straining during bowel movements puts pressure on the rectum. Long-term constipation is one of the biggest risk factors.

Aging

Muscle tone and connective tissue strength naturally decline with age.

Childbirth

Vaginal deliveries, especially multiple births, can weaken pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Conditions that impair the nerves or muscles that support the rectum can contribute.

Chronic Diarrhea

Repeated episodes can also strain rectal tissues.

Neurological Conditions

Spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other nerve disorders may increase risk.

Previous Pelvic Surgery

Surgery in the pelvic region can sometimes alter structural support.

It's important to know that rectal prolapse is not caused by cancer, although rectal bleeding should always be evaluated by a medical professional.

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Is Rectal Prolapse Dangerous?

Rectal prolapse is rarely life-threatening, but it is not something to ignore.

Possible complications include:

• Fecal incontinence
• Ulceration or bleeding
• Strangulation (when the blood supply to the prolapsed tissue is cut off — this is rare but urgent)

If you notice severe pain, darkened tissue, heavy bleeding, or cannot push the prolapse back inside, seek immediate medical care.

For milder or early symptoms, Ubie's free Rectal Prolapse Symptom Checker can help you quickly understand your symptoms and receive personalized guidance on the right time to see a doctor.

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How Is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose rectal prolapse with:

• A physical exam
• Asking you to bear down as if having a bowel movement
• Reviewing your symptom history

Additional tests may include:

• Colonoscopy (to rule out other causes of bleeding)
• Defecography (an imaging study of bowel movements)
• Anal manometry (to test muscle strength)

These tests help determine the severity and guide treatment decisions.

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Can Rectal Prolapse Go Away on Its Own?

In adults, complete rectal prolapse does not usually resolve permanently without treatment. Early-stage or partial prolapse may improve temporarily, especially if underlying constipation is treated.

However, once the supporting tissues have weakened significantly, surgical repair is often required for lasting correction.

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Medical Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity, symptoms, age, and overall health.

1. Lifestyle and Conservative Management (Early or Mild Cases)

For mild prolapse or internal prolapse, your doctor may recommend:

• Increasing fiber intake (25–35 grams per day)
• Drinking adequate fluids
• Using stool softeners if needed
• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
• Pelvic floor physical therapy

These steps can reduce pressure on the rectum and prevent worsening.

2. Pelvic Floor Therapy

Specialized physical therapists can teach:

• Pelvic strengthening exercises
• Biofeedback training
• Techniques to improve bowel habits

While therapy may not fully reverse a complete prolapse, it can improve symptoms and reduce incontinence.

3. Surgery (Most Common Definitive Treatment)

Surgery is the only definitive treatment for full rectal prolapse in adults.

There are two main approaches:

Abdominal Procedures

• Often performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive)
• The rectum is repositioned and secured (rectopexy)
• Lower recurrence rates
• Typically preferred for healthy adults

Perineal Procedures

• Performed through the anus
• Often recommended for older or higher-risk patients
• Shorter recovery but slightly higher recurrence risk

Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your health, age, and symptom severity.

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Recovery After Surgery

Most people recover well from rectal prolapse surgery. Recovery may involve:

• Temporary dietary changes
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Gradual return to normal activity
• Continued focus on preventing constipation

Improvement in incontinence may take time, especially if symptoms were present for a long period before surgery.

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How to Reduce Your Risk or Prevent Worsening

Whether you've been diagnosed or are concerned about symptoms, these steps can help:

• Treat constipation early
• Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Respond to bowel urges promptly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Practice pelvic floor exercises
• Stay physically active

Small changes can make a meaningful difference in protecting pelvic health.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• A visible rectal bulge
• Ongoing rectal bleeding
• Loss of bowel control
• Persistent constipation with straining
• Severe rectal pain
• Tissue that won't go back inside

Although rectal prolapse itself is not usually life-threatening, rectal bleeding and severe pain should always be evaluated promptly to rule out more serious conditions.

If you're experiencing concerning symptoms but aren't sure whether you need immediate care, try using a free Rectal Prolapse Symptom Checker to better understand what you're experiencing and get personalized recommendations for next steps.

Most importantly, speak to a qualified healthcare provider about any concerning symptoms — especially if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or sudden changes in bowel habits.

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The Bottom Line

Feeling a bulge from your rectum is not something to ignore — but it is also not something to panic about. Rectal prolapse is a treatable condition, especially when addressed early.

It often develops gradually due to weakened pelvic floor support, chronic straining, or aging. While mild cases may improve with lifestyle adjustments, many people benefit from surgical repair for lasting relief.

If you notice symptoms, take the next step:

• Pay attention to changes
• Reduce straining
• Seek medical guidance
• Explore a symptom checker if helpful
• Speak directly with a doctor for proper evaluation

Early attention leads to better outcomes — and most people who receive appropriate treatment experience significant improvement in comfort, bowel control, and quality of life.