When a small portion of the rectum protrudes outside the anus, i.e. the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract, it is known as rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is categorized in to 3 types:
- Partial prolapse – The mucous membrane of the rectum protrudes and comes out of the anus.This happens when you strain at stool.
- Complete prolapse – The whole wall of the rectum protrudes out of the anus. Initially, the prolapse may occur only while you pass stool. However, in due course, it will occur when you stand or walk. And in certain cases, you may not be able to re-position the prolapsed rectum at all.
- Internal prolapse – A segment of the wall of the rectum may slide into or over another part, and this is known as an internal prolapse.
Causes And Symptoms Of Rectal Prolapse
- Constipation and straining during bowel movements is the chief cause.
- Tissue damage caused due to childbirth or surgery.
- Deformities or physical development problems.
- Weakness of the pelvic floor musculature.
- Having had surgery on the anus.
- Cystic fibrosis
- Mal-nourishment
- Infections
Symptoms
- A sensation of having full bowels and an urgent need to pass stool.
- Obstinate constipation.
- Passing very small, many stools.
- Cannot empty the bowels completely.
- Itching and pain in the anus.
- Bleeding from the rectum and anus.
- Bright red tissue protruding from the anus.
- Leakage of stool, mucus and blood from the anus.
Home Remedies For Rectal Prolapse
- Prolapse if managed and treated promptly can go away on its own. If you can, push the prolapse back in to place as soon as it occurs.
- Most importantly, do not strain at stool. Avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water, and consume fibre rich foods. Making the right dietary changes help deal with irregular bowel movement and prolapse better.
- Ensure that you consume 3 to 5 dry figs every night. This promises you easy and painless bowel movement.
- Another effective home remedy is dates. Dates contain beta D glucan which adds bulk to the stools, reduce the stools’ transit times and battle the most obstinate cases of constipation. Have about 5 to 10 dates every day.
- Once you’ve dealt with constipation, start repositioning he prolapsed tissue, this makes sure that further prolapse of the rectum does not occur and thus staves off the need for surgery.
- Kegel’s exercises are recommended by most health care providers; these exercises help fortify and strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area. This is especially effective after childbirth. Talk to your health care provider regarding how you should carry out the exercises.
- Homeopathy drugs such as Nux Vomica, Lycopodium Clavatum, Opium, Aloe, and Plumbum Metallicum have proved to be exceedingly effective.
People who do not show any improvement with a change in diet along with the home remedies will need surgical intervention. Surgery for rectal prolapse comprises of attaching the rectum to the muscles of the pelvic floor or the lower end of sacrum. Or, in some cases, the surgery may involve excising a segment of the large intestine that is no longer supported by the surrounding tissue. Confer with your doctor and understand what will be most suitable treatment option for you.