Sitting Too Much May Cause Rectal Prolapse

It is well known that sitting too much can have adverse effects on your health, but did you know that it may even cause rectal prolapse? That’s right – being sedentary for too long can lead to the rectum protruding from the body, which is a serious and uncomfortable condition. We’ll look at how sitting too much can cause rectal prolapse, as well as what you can do to prevent it.

What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, turns inside out and protrudes from the anus. It can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time and can cause pain, bleeding, and other symptoms. In some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectal walls lose their normal strength and flexibility, and can no longer support the rectum in its correct place inside the body. This can happen due to a variety of conditions, including straining during bowel movements, aging, or childbirth. It is most commonly seen in women over 50 and in men who have had prostate surgery.

How does sitting too much Contribute to Rectal Prolapse?

Sitting too much can be a contributing factor to rectal prolapse, which is a medical condition in which the walls of the rectum—the lower part of the large intestine—lose their normal attachments and begin to protrude from the anus. This can cause pain and discomfort, as well as interfere with normal bowel movements.

There are several ways in which sitting too much can contribute to rectal prolapse. First, prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which helps keep the rectum in place. When these muscles weaken, they can fail to provide adequate support to the rectum, leading to its protrusion.

Another way that sitting too much can lead to rectal prolapse is by straining the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. When these muscles are strained, they can become weakened, leading to a laxity in the rectal walls and allowing them to bulge outwards.

Finally, certain health conditions, such as pregnancy and obesity, can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor and cause the muscles to become weakened over time. This weakening may further contribute to rectal prolapse.

It’s important to note that there is no one single cause of rectal prolapse and that not everyone who sits too much will develop it. However, those who have an existing risk factors or who sit for long periods of time are more likely to experience the condition. It is therefore important for those at risk to take preventative measures.

Who is most at Risk for Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is a rare condition that is more common in elderly people, especially women. It is also more likely to occur in people who have had previous abdominal or rectal surgeries or conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis. People who are pregnant, obese, or have constipation, diarrhea, or chronic cough are also at an increased risk of rectal prolapse.

In addition, people who sit for long periods of time are more likely to develop rectal prolapse due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which provide support to the rectum. This can happen if you’re sitting for long periods of time while working, driving, watching TV, or playing video games. Thus, people who sit for prolonged periods of time are at an increased risk of developing rectal prolapse.

If you are concerned about your risk for rectal prolapse, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. They will be able to give you advice on lifestyle changes and other treatments that can help to reduce your risk.

Related Articles: How to Treat Rectal Prolapse Without Surgery

How can you Prevent Rectal Prolapse?

Preventing rectal prolapse is possible, but it may require lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing this condition.

First, you should be mindful of how long you are sitting. Prolonged sitting can place pressure on your pelvic floor muscles and weaken them over time, so try to get up and move around often. This may mean taking frequent breaks when you are at work or getting up for a few minutes during a long car ride.

Second, if you are overweight or obese, you should strive to lose weight to reduce the strain placed on your pelvic floor muscles. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you achieve a healthy weight.

Third, don’t ignore signs of constipation or straining while having a bowel movement. These may indicate that you have problems with your pelvic floor muscles and need to seek medical advice.

Finally, engaging in Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can help prevent rectal prolapse. To do a Kegel exercise, clench the same muscles you would use to stop urinating. Hold for five seconds, then release for five seconds. Repeat for a few minutes every day.

Taking these steps may help reduce your risk of developing rectal prolapse. If you are concerned about rectal prolapse, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk and monitor any symptoms.