Women over 50 prone to developing rectal prolapse

Delhi: It has been seen that, when people are in their 50s and 60s, digestive problems like constipation increase by putting them at higher risk for rectal prolapse. Changes in lifestyle, diet, diseases, and intake of medication can become a risk of something going wrong in the digestive system.

Dr Sandip Banerjee, Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon, Apollo Spectra, Delhi, pointed out, “People do not understand rectal prolapse in the beginning, also many women ignore and feel shy to speak on rectal prolapse till it gets serious. In such a situation, as soon as you feel its symptoms, they should get it checked by their doctor.”

Dr Banerjee explains the discomfort and challenges with rectal prolapse, “Prolapse is seen when any body part slips or falls down from its normal position. Rectal prolapse is when one’s rectum which is the last section of the large intestine, tends to drop down or slide out of the anus. Such rectal prolapse cases are very rare and are quite challenging in treating. The challenge lies in correcting it in the wake of weak pelvic floor muscles which is difficult because a slight abdominal pressure can lose the surgical work in the initial months."

Symptoms of rectal prolapse can vary from person to person depending on its cause, but some symptoms remain the same for everyone. This includes:

• The anus protrudes outwards and a red bulge may be felt in it. This can happen during or after a bowel movement.
• You may feel slight changes and pain in the normal position of standing and walking.
• Pain in the anus and rectum.
• Bleeding from the inner lining of the rectum.
• Leaking of mucus, blood, and stool from the anus.
• Feeling of a bulge from the anus after coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
• Pressing to start or end a bowel movement.
• Having abdominal pain.
• Frequent constipation and
• Itching in the anus.