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What causes a rectal prolapse?

Several factors may contribute to the development of rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse in adults is caused by a weakening of the sphincter muscle or ligaments that hold the rectum in place. Weakening can occur because of aging, disease, or in rare cases, surgical trauma. Prolapse is brought on by straining to have bowel movements, chronic laxative use, or severe diarrhea. It may come from a lifelong habit of straining to have bowel movements or as a delayed result of stresses involved in childbirth. In rare cases, there may be a genetic predisposition in some families. It seems to be a part of the aging process in many patients who experience weakening of the ligaments that support the rectum inside the pelvis as well as loss of tightness of the anal sphincter muscle. In some cases, neurological problems, such as spinal cord transection or spinal cord disease, can lead to prolapse. In most cases, however, no single cause can be identified.

 

More information on rectal prolapse

What is rectal prolapse? - Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum turns itself inside out. Rectal prolapse is protrusion of rectal tissue through the anus to the exterior of the body.
What causes a rectal prolapse? - Rectal prolapse in adults is caused by a weakening of the sphincter muscle or ligaments that hold the rectum in place.
What're symptoms of rectal prolapse? - Symptoms of rectal prolapse include discharge of mucus or blood, pain during bowel movements, and inability to control bowel movements (fecal incontinence).
How is rectal prolapse diagnosed? - Prolapse is initially diagnosed by taking a patient history and giving a rectal examination while the patient is in a squatting position.
What're the treatments for rectal prolapse? - Acupuncture, homeopathy, and botanical medicine can all be used to assist in resolution of the prolapse or in recovery from surgery. 
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