Causes of rectal prolapse in adults

The main causes of rectal prolapse in adults, which is when the rectum protrudes out of the body, include:

• Diarrhea;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Constipation;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Increased prostate;
• Intestinal malformation;
• Lack of fixation of the rectum;
• Neurological disorders;
• Pelvic-lumbar trauma;
• Excessive effort to evacuate;
• Intestinal infections, such as amebiasis or schistosomiasis.

Rectal prolapse usually occurs in women as young as 60 years of age as a result of weakening of the muscles and ligaments that support the rectum and can be diagnosed through observation of the region or examinations to determine the cause.

Treatment for rectal prolapse

Treatment for rectal prolapse depends on its cause. When rectal prolapse is caused by too much force to evacuate and constipation, treatment includes compression of the buttocks, increased fiber intake in the diet and intake of 2 liters of water per day.

In cases where rectal prolapse is not caused by constipation the intense effort to evacuate, surgery to extract part of the rectum or fix it may be a solution.

Useful links:

• Causes of Childhood Rectal Prolapse
• What to do in case of rectal prolapse
• Symptoms of rectal prolapse