Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the inside of the rectum turns inside out and comes out of the anus with bowel movements or sometimes spontaneously. It can be brought on by straining hard and repeatedly while trying to move your bowels. It can also happen when you lose tone or function in the muscles that hold the rectum in place. Rectal prolapse may occur in men or women, but it is more common in women.

There are two grades of rectal prolapse.

Partial prolapse - The lining of the rectum protrudes when you strain to have a bowel movement. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between this and prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, which are much more common.

Complete prolapse (or procedentia) - The sleeve of the rectum turns inside out and protrudes from the anus. This may occur during bowel movements. It may occur walking or standing. It can be "reduced" or put back where it belongs by standing and tightening the pelvic muscles or by manually pushing it back inside. Rarely, the prolapsed rectal tissue may remain outside the body all the time.