Understanding Anal Prolapse: Causes, Solutions, and How Hypopressives Can Help

Anal prolapse, or rectal prolapse, can be a distressing and often misunderstood condition. It occurs when the rectum—the final section of the large intestine—protrudes through the anus. This can range from a partial prolapse, where only part of the rectum is involved, to a full external prolapse that’s visible outside the body. While it’s often associated with aging, this condition can affect anyone, and understanding its causes and possible solutions can be an empowering first step toward healing.

Why Does Anal Prolapse Happen?

The root causes of anal prolapse often involve a combination of factors that weaken the pelvic floor and supportive tissues:

1. Chronic Straining: Prolonged or repeated straining during bowel movements is a common culprit. Constipation, in particular, increases the downward pressure on the pelvic floor. But Diarrhoea can also be a culprit. This can be problematic if you are suffering with IBS.

2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: When the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor are weakened, tight or imbalanced, they may struggle to provide adequate support for the rectum.

3. Childbirth Trauma: The strain of vaginal childbirth, especially with interventions like forceps, tears, or episiotomies, can weaken the pelvic floor.

4. Aging: As we age, our connective tissues can potentially begin to lose elasticity and strength, which can contribute to prolapse.

5. Chronic Coughing or Obesity: Both of these increase intra-abdominal pressure, putting additional strain on the pelvic floor.

6. Neurological Conditions: Conditions that impact nerve function, such as spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, may also play a role.

What Can Help?

If you’re experiencing anal prolapse, there are a variety of ways to manage and improve your condition, depending on its severity and your overall health.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Address Constipation: Prioritise a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and consider using a stool to elevate your feet while on the toilet to support optimal alignment. You are looking for your knees to be higher than your hips. two upturned toilet roles are usually sufficient or you could purchase a squatty potty (which is a small stool that tucks in around the bottom of the toilet).

• Weight Management: Reducing excess weight can decrease strain on the pelvic floor.

• Exercise: Moving your pelvis, giving the fascia within the pelvic bowl and the fascia which makes up the external sphincter will help to create juicier more adaptive tissue - lending more support to the colon.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Working with a pelvic floor specialist can help you retrain and strengthen the muscles that support the rectum. This might include:

• Targeted exercises.

• Education on posture and movement patterns that reduce strain.

Tension Release Techniques

Chronic tension in the pelvic region can exacerbate prolapse symptoms. Techniques like TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) can help release stored tension in the tissues and create a more balanced foundation for healing.

Surgical Interventions

For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair and restore the rectum’s position. However, many cases can be managed non-surgically with the right interventions. And I firmly believe that healing is possible as long as you are consistent with your practice, diet and movement and also with your mindset. Mindset in many ways is a key to healing, but is the hardest to sustain. Having a bank of positive phrases to think about (as per a previous post) to replace any negative ones that come knocking is essential.

How Hypopressives Can Help

Hypopressives have been a game-changer in my work with pelvic health, offering a low-pressure and sustainable way to strengthen the core and pelvic floor. Here’s why they can be so effective for anal prolapse:

1. Restoring Pelvic Floor Function: Hypopressives create a vacuum-like effect in the abdominal cavity, gently drawing the pelvic organs upward and recruiting the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, this can improve muscle tone and support.

2. Reducing Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Unlike traditional exercises, which can increase pressure on the pelvic floor, hypopressives focus on creating a negative pressure. This helps protect and heal the area rather than exacerbating the prolapse.

3. Improving Alignment: The emphasis on posture in hypopressives can help realign the pelvic organs, reducing the sensation of heaviness or bulging.

4. Calming the Nervous System: Breathwork integrated into hypopressives helps regulate the nervous system, promoting better digestion and reducing tension in the pelvic area.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Anal prolapse doesn’t have to define your quality of life. By combining hypopressives with pelvic floor therapy, somatic movement, and mindful lifestyle changes, you can take meaningful steps toward healing and empowerment. As always, consult with a trusted pelvic health professional to guide your journey. Remember, your body is capable of profound resilience—you just need the right tools and support to uncover it.

You can come and do a workshop or 1-2-1 with me to learn TRE and Hypopressives and many ways to move your body: abby@hypopressivescotland.com