What are the symptoms of rectal prolapse?
The symptoms of rectal prolapse include: • Unexpected release of mucus, stool, or blood from the anus • A feeling of having full bowels and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. • Passage of multiple small stools. • The feeling of not being able to empty the bowels completely. • An inability to control bowel movements (incontinence) that becomes worse over time. • Anal pain, itching, irritation, and bleeding. • Bright red tissue that protrudes from the anus How Is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed? Your doctor can diagnose rectal prolapse by asking questions about your symptoms and by doing a thorough physical exam. To demonstrate the prolapse you may be asked to “strain” as if having a bowel movement. In some cases, however, the prolapse may not be evident externally and special tests may be required. One such test is defecography, which is a series of X-rays (like a motion picture) to evaluate the rectum and anal sphincter during a bowel movement.
