
You cannot really shrink the prolapse. You can just restore your rectum to its normal position by manual reduction or surgery.
In rectal prolapse, the rectum can only be shrunk when its mucosa is swollen due to the buildup of fluid in it. For this, before pushing it inside the anus, you can apply a few granules of sugar to it, and let it rest there for a few minutes. Sugar will absorb the excess water in the rectum and cause it to shrink.
What is rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the last part of your large bowel (rectum) comes out of your anus. This can happen in any of the following three ways:
- The entire rectum comes out of the anus
- Only a portion of the rectum is pushed through the anus
- The rectum has moved out of its place but does not drop out of the anus
Although rectal prolapse can occur at any stage of life, it is more common in older adults who suffer from chronic constipation. Additionally, women aged 50 years and above are more likely to develop rectal prolapse.
What triggers rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse can be caused by any of the following reasons:
- Weakening of the pelvic muscles (pelvic muscles support your rectum)
- Chronic constipation
- Injury to the rectum
- Nerve damage
- Damage from giving birth
- Cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disease that damages the lungs, gut, and pancreas)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bowel infections
- Poor nutrition
- Diabetes
What are the symptoms of rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse makes you feel that something is bulging out of the anus. Usually, this happens when you strain while defecating. You may be able to push it in by yourself or it may not go inside even after you try pushing it (complete or full-thickness prolapse).
Other symptoms of rectal prolapse include:
- Fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control): Occurs in 5 to 7 out of every 10 patients of rectal prolapse
- Pain in the anus or rectum
- Bleeding from the rectum: A delay in the treatment causes the inner lining of the rectum to develop ulcers leading to significant bleeding.

SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowHow do you treat rectal prolapse without surgery?
The main treatment for complete rectal prolapse and recurrent rectal prolapse is surgery. Initially, if it is not severe, the doctor may try fixing it temporarily by a technique known as “manual reduction of the prolapse.”
When only the inner lining (mucosa) of your rectum comes out of the anus, your doctor will instruct you how you can perform self-reduction of your rectal prolapse at home. For this, you have to apply gentle pressure on the rectum to move it back into the anus. It is normal for your rectum to bleed a little during the procedure.
Along with the reduction technique, treating the cause of your rectal prolapse (e.g. constipation) may help you delay or even avoid the surgery. Ask your doctor about what you can do.
Your doctor will usually advise you to
- Avoid constipation by following a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Take a stool softener to keep your bowel movements soft.
- Do pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises.
What is the best exercise for rectal prolapse?
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, strengthen your pelvic muscles. Here’s how you can do them:
- Try tightening your pelvic floor muscles slowly for three seconds.
- You will feel like you are lifting them.
- Then release for three seconds.
- Do this 10 times at a stretch. That’s one set.
You should do one set of Kegel exercises two to three times a day. If you cannot perform a set of 10 on your first day, start with a smaller set as much as you can tolerate and build up gradually over time.
Medscape Medical Reference
Top How Do You Shrink Rectal Prolapse Related Articles
Constipation Myths and Facts
Constipation results in fewer bowel movements. Laxatives, home remedies, and diet changes may bring constipation relief. Change habits that constipate you and adopt lifestyle changes to benefit your intestines and bowel. Bloating and chronic constipation are relieved with the right medical treatments.COPD Quiz
COPD is a combination of three conditions? Take this quiz to learn the three conditions that make up the pulmonary disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).COPD Lung Symptoms
COPD is a pulmonary disorder caused by obstructions in the airways of the lungs leading to breathing problems. Learn about COPD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.Diabetes Quiz
Take the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do with obesity and diet? Learn about life as a diabetic.Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan
A type 2 diabetes diet or a type 2 diabetic diet is important for blood sugar (glucose) control in people with diabetes to prevent complications of diabetes. There are a variety of type 2 diabetes diet eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, ADA Diabetes Diet, and vegetarian diets.Learn about low and high glycemic index foods, what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid if you have type 2 diabetes.Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.Nutrition Quiz
Even if you think you're getting enough fruits and vegetables per day, how can you be sure? Take the Diet & Nutrition Quiz to learn more about eating right.High-Sugar Fruits
Sugar content in fruit varies. High-sugar fruits include mangoes, pears, grapes, cherries, bananas, figs, and watermelon. Low-sugar fruits include avocados, guava, raspberries, cantaloupe, papayas, and strawberries.Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Most people with diverticulosis have few if any symptoms at all. When people do experience signs and symptoms of diverticulosis (diverticular disease) they may include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticula in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Treatment methods for diverticulitis include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.Do I Have Hemorrhoids or Rectal Prolapse?
Learn more about the major differences between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse and the kinds of treatment available.Hemorrhoids (Internal and External)
Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, low-fiber diet, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the hemorrhoids. Some treatment options include over-the-counter creams and suppositories, stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and hemorrhoidectomies.How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments
Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, what causes hemorrhoids, how long hemorrhoids last, and hemorrhoids treatment.Insulin Pump for Diabetes
An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin directly to a patient with diabetes. They are about the size of a standard beeper. The pump is attached to under the skin (usually on the abdomen). The amount of insulin required will depend on lifestyle (exercise, sleep patterns, activity level, and diet).Intestinal Gas and Gas Pain
Intestinal gas and painful bloating are common. Learn about what causes gas pain and how eliminating certain foods from your diet can help relieve symptoms.Sweat Chloride Test (Cystic Fibrosis)
The sweat chloride test is a common test used to evaluate a patient suspected of having cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease common in Caucasians. The sweat chloride test is a fairly simple and painless procedure.Top 12 Foods for Constipation Relief
Constipation is a common problem, and almost everyone has been constipated at one time or another. There are foods that can help prevent constipation and also provide relief, for example, kiwi, prunes, beans (your choice of type), berries, certain seeds, potatoes, and popcorn.15 Foods That Cause Constipation
Constipation or the decrease in frequency and/or difficulty in passing stools (bowel movements) can be caused by a variety of problems. Check out these top 15 foods to avoid because they cause constipation. Some foods to avoid include, white rice and bread, caffeine, bananas, alcohol, processed foods, and frozen dinners.