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What are the best exercises for rectal prolapse? Can it be prevented?

Goficure - Blog Page - What are the best exercises for rectal prolapse? Can it be prevented? (Blog Post) Last Updated March 16, 2024

Overview

Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum is displaced and descends out of the anus. This can cause major discomfort. It is mostly caused due to prolonged constipation or pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions.

The ailment is more common in postmenopausal women but can affect younger women and even men and children.

Mild to moderate rectal prolapse can be managed by lifestyle changes and good bowel habits. Simple exercises and yoga can tighten and provide support to the pelvic muscles and alleviate the prolapse symptoms.

What are the benefits of rectal prolapse exercises?

Exercises for rectal prolapse strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and provide internal support.

Benefits of rectal prolapse exercises:

  • Strengthens and tightens the core muscles of the rectum, anal sphincter, and the pelvic floor
  • Eliminates constipation
  • Reduces back pain
  • Alleviates symptoms of discomfort and rectal prolapse pain
  • Improves bowel control
  • Enhances general well-being and the quality of life
  • Reduces fecal incontinence (involuntary leakage of gas and stool)
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What are the best exercises for rectal prolapse?

Exercises that can help with rectal prolapse:

Kegel exercises

Steps to perform this exercise:

  • Do this exercise while you are sitting comfortably or lying down
  • Do not tighten your thigh, chest, or stomach muscles
  • Remember to empty your bladder before starting the exercise
  • Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for 3-5 seconds
  • Slowly relax the muscles for 3-5 seconds
  • Do this exercise at least 3 times a day for a 10-minute duration

Do not overdo the exercise. You can see improvement in your symptoms within four to six weeks.

Pelvic floor exercise

Steps to perform this exercise:

  • Perform this exercise while you are standing, sitting, or lying down
  • Identify your pelvic floor muscles
  • Tighten and squeeze the muscles and pull them up as if you trying to stop the flow of gas or urine
  • Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds
  • Slowly relax the muscles for 3-4 seconds before starting the next pull-up
  • Try doing this exercise thrice a day

This is a very easy exercise and can be done anywhere and anytime, whether in your office or kitchen. Breathe normally while doing the exercise. If you are feeling exhausted, take a short break.

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Exercises you should avoid with rectal prolapse

Some exercises can weaken your pelvic floor muscles and worsen the rectal prolapse symptoms.

Avoid the following exercises:

  • Heavy weight lifting
  • Abdominal crunches or push-ups
  • High-impact exercises such as running, jumping, aerobics, etc.
  • Double leg lifts

Stop your suffering NOW

Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.

Can rectal prolapse be prevented?

It is not always possible to prevent rectal prolapse but you can reduce the risk factors. To reduce the risk of a rectal prolapse, follow these tips:

  • Get early treatment for bowel disorders such as constipation or persistent diarrhea that can lead to rectal prolapse
  • Avoid milk if you are lactose intolerant as it can cause diarrhea
  • Eat high-fiber foods and drink lots of fluids during the day
  • Avoid spicy and processed foods
  • Do regular pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises
  • Consult your doctor and take a stool softener to keep your bowel movements soft
  • Follow healthy bowel habits and avoid straining during bowel movements
  • Do not spend more than ten minutes on the toilet
  • Avoid constant urges to go to the toilet and instead distract yourself by walking or reading a book

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Final words

Rectal prolapse can cause major discomfort but the good news is that it is completely treatable. In the initial stages, if the symptoms are not severe, the doctor will ask you to follow self-reduction of rectal prolapse at home where you can gently push the rectum back into the anus. Along with self-care, good bowel habits, stool softeners, a high-fiber diet, and exercises can help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate rectal prolapse. If the symptoms progress, surgery is performed to treat the condition.

 

Dos
  • Reduce intake of frizzy drinks
  • Daily pelvic floor strengthening exercises
  • Maintain a healthy weight
Don'ts
  • Spend a long duration in the toilets
  • Scratch the anal area as it can increase irritation
  • Wear tight underwear

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