What is rectal fullness and what causes it?

Rectal fullness is a sensation where you feel like your rectum, the last part of your large intestine, is still full even after having a bowel movement. This feeling can feel like pressure or the need to go again. Some people might say it feels heavy or uncomfortable, almost as if something remains inside them. One common cause is constipation, which happens when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Another cause is problems with the muscles that help you move your bowels; if these muscles do not relax or work together well, it can make it hard to empty completely. Structural problems, such as rectal prolapse (where part of the rectum slips out of place) or a rectocele (a bulge created by a weakened wall between the rectum and another body part), can also lead to this feeling. If you're experiencing persistent rectal fullness or related symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort. In a rectal exam, doctors check for these kinds of issues to find out the cause of the rectal fullness and come up with the best treatment.