A 33-year-old member asked:
how likely is rectal prolapse caused by laxative abuse?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Jason Bodzin answered
General Surgery 51 years experience
Yes: Laxatives cause spastic contractions of the bowel which, over time, may cause rectal prolapse. The straining associated with the attempts to empty completely worsens the problem. Normally one only has to move bowels once every 1-3 days. Laxative use and abuses is frequently misguided.
5324 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Aug 30, 2013
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