At a glance
Managing rectal prolapse usually involves a combination of daily habits, pelvic floor work, and — in some cases — surgical intervention. The right approach depends on the severity of the prolapse and how much it affects your life.
This page covers what people commonly try, what tends to help or make things worse, and when to talk to your doctor about next steps.
Conservative management
Many people start with conservative approaches, especially for partial or mild prolapse.
Pelvic floor exercises are one of the most commonly recommended starting points. People report that working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist helps them:
- Learn which muscles to engage (and which to relax)
- Improve bowel control and reduce leakage
- Feel more confident managing daily symptoms
Dietary changes play a significant role. Strategies people commonly try include:
- Increasing fiber gradually to soften stools
- Drinking adequate water throughout the day
- Avoiding foods that cause constipation or diarrhea for them personally
Avoiding straining is consistently emphasised. This includes:
- Not forcing bowel movements
- Limiting time on the toilet
- Using a footstool to raise the knees and improve positioning
- Responding promptly to the urge rather than delaying
Manual reduction
Some people with prolapse learn to gently push the tissue back in after a bowel movement. This is sometimes called manual reduction. If your doctor has shown you how to do this, it can be part of daily management.
Key things people note:
- Gentle, steady pressure with a clean hand
- Lying on one side can make it easier
- It should not cause significant pain — if it does, contact your doctor
- If the tissue will not go back in, seek medical care promptly
What people report about daily management
- Learning to read their body’s signals and respond to bowel urges quickly
- Adjusting physical activity — some people find that heavy lifting or high-impact exercise worsens symptoms
- Wearing a pad or liner for mucus discharge gives peace of mind
- Pelvic floor work takes time to show results, often several weeks or months
- Emotional adjustment is real — many people describe frustration, embarrassment, or anxiety alongside physical symptoms
Surgical options overview
When conservative care is not enough, several surgical approaches exist. These broadly fall into two categories:
- Abdominal procedures — performed through the abdomen, often to secure the rectum in place
- Perineal procedures — performed through the area around the anus, sometimes chosen for people who may not tolerate abdominal surgery
The choice depends on the type and degree of prolapse, overall health, and your doctor’s assessment. People report varying recovery timelines and outcomes. Discussing expectations and risks with your surgeon is important.
What tends to help
- Consistent pelvic floor exercises, ideally guided by a physiotherapist
- High-fiber diet with adequate hydration
- Good toilet habits — not straining, not sitting too long
- A footstool to improve positioning during bowel movements
- Tracking symptoms to notice patterns and triggers
What tends to make things worse
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Heavy lifting without proper technique
- Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
- Avoiding medical advice when symptoms are progressing
Talking to your doctor
If conservative management is not providing enough relief, it is worth discussing next steps. It can help to bring:
- A timeline of your symptoms and what has changed
- A list of what you have tried and how it went
- Questions about surgical options, recovery, and expected outcomes
- Notes on how the prolapse is affecting your daily life and wellbeing
You deserve support in managing this. Doctors see rectal prolapse regularly and can help you find the right approach.
If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, tissue that cannot be reduced, fever, or symptoms that concern you, seek medical care.