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Can my rectal prolapse heal without surgery?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I want to know if I have a rectal prolapse. I have a red mass that comes out when straining or during bowel movements. Sometimes it remains protruded if not physically pushed in. Additionally, I experience mucus in my stool, constipation, occasional diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and urinary incontinence. Here are some photos for further information. Please let me know if you need more information or additional photos

Please provide me with your opinion.

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I can understand your concern.

I will review your images and get back to you shortly (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). I have reviewed your case history. Kindly answer a few questions:

  1. How long have you been experiencing this problem?
  2. Do you feel it is gradually worsening?
  3. Have you had any previous surgeries, such as hemorrhoid surgery?
  4. I apologize for asking, but has there been any history of anal penetration by any means?
  5. What do you mean by urinary incontinence?
  6. Considering your young age, is it nighttime bedwetting or uncontrolled urine during the day?

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been experiencing this problem for about two years actually, but it recently became slightly larger, so I wanted to get it checked. I have not had any surgery before. I guess it is gradually worsening since it just got slightly larger. Yes, I do engage in anal penetrations like toy insertions, anal sex, and fist insertions on occasion. By urinary incontinence, I mean that sometimes urine leaks out when I strain or cough.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the attached image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). So, this is a rectal prolapse. You need to avoid constipation and anal penetrations for a while so that you may regain anal sphincter tone. This would help you out. If your symptoms persist, you will need a surgical review and likely surgical correction of the prolapse.

Regarding your urine, I think pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) would help you out for better urine control as well as improving pelvic strength. Otherwise, a detailed urine examination to rule out urinary tract infection would be an option if you do not improve with the above simple measures and lifestyle modifications.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Alright, do you know how severe it is currently? I tried that about a year ago, and it never got any smaller or stopped protruding. Actually, I have not engaged in any anal penetration for about a year as well. I have researched a little about rectal prolapse, and I just want to ask if it will continue to enlarge if it just grows in size. Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure because I do not think I would have money for surgery. What would happen if I tried to live with this condition?

Please provide me with your opinion.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I think it is a significant prolapse because sometimes you need to push it in. If you have already stopped anal penetrations for the last year and it is still gradually increasing, you should visit a surgeon. I completely understand your financial limitations, but at least visit a surgeon. If surgery is advised, you can try to get help from hospital welfare or community health services, etc. If you try to live with it, this is what you have been doing for the last year. I feel it will continue to grow further and cause more trouble for you. I think you should try to get treated for this.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Only a couple more questions. Would it be considered a complete rectal prolapse or partial? I do not know if you will be able to answer this, but if it were left untreated, what is the maximum size it could get to? Double, or triple the size of it now or more? Just trying to see how serious it could get.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is actually a full rectal prolapse, which is reducible at the moment with the help of your finger or hand. Whenever this internal mucosa is exposed to the external environment, there is a risk of bleeding. Another important complication to keep in mind is non-reducible prolapse, which can lead to significant complications, even necrosis. My suggestion would be not to wait any further; you have already observed it for one year. Getting a surgical review and having yourself physically checked is one of the best options. Decide about surgery later on.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At August 3, 2024
Reviewed AtJune 22, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Medical Gastroenterology

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