Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care if:
The prolapsed tissue becomes dark purple, grey, or black
You have severe or rapidly worsening pain
There is heavy or continuing bleeding
You feel faint, very weak, feverish, or seriously unwell
You have severe abdominal swelling, vomiting, or cannot pass stool or wind
These signs may indicate reduced blood flow, significant bleeding, or a bowel blockage.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a healthcare service promptly if the prolapse is newly stuck outside, becoming swollen, increasingly painful, or cannot be returned in the way you were previously shown.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you notice tissue coming through the anus, even if it goes back inside by itself.
Also seek assessment for ongoing mucus, bowel leakage, constipation, or repeated small amounts of rectal bleeding.
Most episodes of rectal prolapse are not emergencies, but these symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rectal prolapse. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.