Rectal prolapse befalls when the tissue that lines the rectum tumbles into or poles out of the anal opening. Rectal prolapse can begin bulging only during bowel movements; then it might protrude during sneezes or other stomach contractions; then progress to bulging during activities like walking, and ultimately reach long-lasting protrusion, where the rectum fails to retract at all.

Causes of Rectal Prolapse

The anal sphincter is essentially a relatively weak group of muscles, and it is inadequate to hold the anorectal canal in place alone, so the canal is typically supported by a series of girdling muscles and ligaments. Rectal prolapse is initiated by the progressive weakening of those muscles and ligaments, releasing the rectum to glide downwards with gravity. This muscular weakening is related with:

  • Progressing age, which is subsequently a reason of rectal prolapse.


  • Protracted straining during bowel movements because of constipation or diarrhea can wane the muscles thus causing rectal prolapse.


  • Pregnancy and the pressures of childbirth can weaken the muscles causing rectal prolapse to befall.


  • Prior surgery can also deteriorate the muscles and cause rectal prolapse.

Cystic fibrosis, COPD, multiple sclerosis, paralysis or any chronic ailment or activity that requires frequent exploration or assault of the anorectal canal, might result in muscle weakness and resulting rectal prolapse. Lastly, the anal opening was not designed by evolution for sexual infiltration, so anal sex, being an activity encompassing the invasion of the anorectal canal, can cause the muscles to give way, thus leading to rectal prolapse.

The Myriad of Causes That Can Lead to Rectal Prolapse

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