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Why is rectal prolapse more common in older women? What's the reason behind this?
Rectal prolapse is a health condition characterized by the rectal wall protruding outside the anus. Although this condition can occur in people of any age, older women are more commonly affected. This is of great concern to the medical community as its potential effects include social embarrassment and physical distress. So why exactly is this condition more common among older women?
Basic concepts of rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse is defined as part of the rectum protruding out of the anus and becoming visible to the naked eye. Depending on the degree of this condition, the medical community usually divides it into two categories: "full-thickness prolapse" and "partial prolapse." In addition, it can also be divided into external prolapse and internal prolapse according to whether it is visible or not. In most cases, complete prolapse refers to the prolapse of the entire rectal wall.
Why older women are more susceptible to the disease
Research points out that the reason why older women are more susceptible to rectal prolapse may be related to the following aspects:
"In women, as age increases, physiological changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause will affect the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles."
The physiological structure and hormonal changes in older women often lead to a decrease in pelvic floor support. Many studies have found that the incidence of pelvic organ prolapse in women as they age increases gradually. In addition, about 35% of patients with rectal prolapse have never given birth, which shows that pregnancy and childbirth have a limited impact on rectal prolapse, while age and relatively few supporting structures increase the risk of prolapse.
Association with other health conditions
Many older women may also face other related health problems, such as constipation, urinary incontinence, etc. Constipation often leads to straining to have a bowel movement, which is one potential cause of rectal prolapse. When women try to overcome constipation, the pressure it creates affects the pelvic floor structures, increasing the risk of rectal prolapse.
"In the initial process, most patients will have a feeling of protruding during defecation, and this situation will become more and more severe as time goes by."
Social and cultural factors
Social and cultural factors cannot be ignored. Elderly women may have concerns about seeking medical help, especially concerns about their privacy and social life, which leads many patients to be reluctant to seek timely treatment. This may worsen their condition and further affect their quality of life.
How to diagnose and treat
The diagnosis of rectal prolapse relies mostly on professional medical examinations, including physical examination, anorectoscopy, etc. For patients with mild versus internal prolapse, conservative treatment may be available, such as changing dietary habits and increasing exercise. However, for more severe prolapses, surgery is often the only option.
"The purpose of surgery is to restore normal internal structures and reduce the occurrence of symptoms."
In general, rectal prolapse in older women is a complex problem, and the physiological changes, related health conditions and cultural factors involved behind it are worthy of in-depth exploration. Faced with this situation, society should increase awareness and attention to the disease so that patients can receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. And we might as well think about whether this situation will receive more attention in the future, thereby improving women's health and quality of life?
