2.1
Internal rectal prolapse is when the lowest part of the bowel (rectum) telescopes on itself. It is more common in women who have had children but also happens in nulliparous women and in men. Factors related to the development of the condition are age, childbirth, constipation and straining. It may be associated with prolapse of other pelvic organs and some people may have a predisposition because of abnormalities in collagen. It is not life threatening but it can be a distressing and demoralising condition, with negative effects on quality of life. Symptoms include discomfort, pain, constipation, difficult evacuation (obstructed defaecation syndrome), faecal incontinence and discharge of mucus or blood. In women it can be associated with vaginal bulge (rectocele), painful intercourse, lower back pain, urinary dysfunction, and vaginal prolapse and enterocele.