The digestive system’s integral part, the rectum, starts at the large intestine’s lower part and ends at the anus. Rectal pain can occur in underlying conditions such as injury, inflammation, or infection affecting the rectum. The pain is sometimes experienced during sitting, walking, or bowel movements. It may also result in additional symptoms like constipation, rectal bleeding, or pressure in the pelvic area. With countless possibilities resulting in rectal pain, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis with appropriate treatment by a certified healthcare professional. The article highlights potential causes of rectal pain, possible remedies, and treatments. You can also consult a doctor at for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the issue.
What is rectal pain?
Rectal pain occurs in or near the anus and rectum (the last section of the large intestine that ends in the anus). Rectal discomfort is frequently accompanied by rectum pain and bleeding. People may be ashamed to discuss anal discomfort with their doctor, yet it is a frequent sign of many different medical disorders and is usually easily treatable.
What is the cause of my rectal pain?
Rectal discomfort is a common occurrence for a few serious reasons. Rectal pain is frequently caused by muscular spasms or constipation. However, there are several more scientific factors worth mentioning, and they are as follows:
- Anal Fissures – Anal fissures are small tears in the thin tissue lining the rectum’s opening. They’re quite common, especially among babies and new moms. Fissures arise when hard or large feces irritate the rectum lining and skin. They heal slowly because bowel movements irritate and inflame the tissue.
- The discomfort is frequently characterized as a knife-like sensation. The soreness may then evolve into an hour-long dull throbbing. To avoid aggravating anal fissures, use moist baby wipes instead of regular toilet paper.
- Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are a frequent cause of rectal discomfort. Nearly one-third of all individuals will get hemorrhoids at some point. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus induced by bowel movement pushing. They are more common among pregnant women and people who have done a lot of heavy lifting. The most visible symptom of hemorrhoids is bloody feces. If your hemorrhoids rupture, you may endure terrible discomfort that lasts for many days. If you have significant anal discomfort and rectal bleeding, get medical treatment immediately soon.
- Anal Fistula – An anal fistula is a narrow tunnel created around the anus, generally between the bowel’s end and the anal skin. Infection typically causes it in the area around the anus, which leads to a pus collection (abscess) in nearby tissue. Anal fistulas can create a number of unpleasant symptoms, including pain and skin irritation, that hardly go away on their own. In the majority of instances, doctors recommend surgery.
- Anus Trauma – Anal play during intercourse or regular masturbation causes rectum or anus damage or injury. A rectum injury can also be caused by a very hard fall while performing any activity. The damage occurs because the skin around the rectum is extremely thin and sensitive, resulting in minor tears, pain, swelling, and bleeding. This is caused in part by the anus’s inability to create its own lubrication.
- Muscle Spasm – Muscle spasms are caused by a variety of illnesses, including Proctalgia Fugax, which is defined as a short rectal spasm. The muscles that surround the rectum, like other muscles, can spasm, causing discomfort. Rectal spasms can range from a few seconds to several minutes and can be induced by a variety of causes such as bowel movement, sexual activity, constipation, or, in rare cases, for no apparent reason.
- Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome – Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a disorder that causes ulcers to form in the rectum. Ulcers are open sores with the ability to bleed and drain.
It’s exactly what causes this uncommon illness, although some experts believe it’s linked to chronic constipation. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome can cause constipation, straining when passing stool, bleeding or other discharge, experiencing fullness or pressure in the pelvic, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and rectal discomfort.
- Tenesmus – Tenesmus is the physical sensation of needing to use the restroom even though your colon is empty. When trying to pass feces, one may feel pressure, soreness, a strong need to strain, cramps, or even nausea. Tenesmus is not a disease in and of itself but rather a sign of problems with the gastrointestinal system. It might also be an indication of an intestinal movement issue.
How to prevent rectal pain naturally?
Rectal discomfort can be treated at home in some circumstances. Here are a few natural ways to relieve or prevent rectal discomfort at home.
- Run a warm bath with Epsom salt: Baths in warm water can help relieve inflammation and discomfort. To be most effective, the warm bath should be taken 20 minutes after any bowel movement.
- Increase your fiber intake: Fiber can help improve bowel movements by softening and making stools easier to pass. It can also be used to harden liquid feces. Your daily fiber intake should range between 25 and 30 grams. You can try different fiber-rich foods or strategies to increase fiber in your diet.
- Use aloe vera cream – Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, aloe vera is considered the holy grail for healing all types of inflammation and irritation.
- Take stool softeners – These may help with constipation alleviation, stool softening, and the facilitation of quick, painless bowel movements.
- Drink extra water – Constipation can occur as a result of dehydration. Water may help make feces soft and easy to pass. Foods having a higher water content may also help you reach your daily water requirement.
- Apply hemorrhoid cream that is available over the counter.
- You can also take some over-the-counter pain medicines prescribed by the doctor, such as Tylenol or Advil.
These remedies can only temporarily relieve anal discomfort, irritation, and pain. To properly address the cause of your anal discomfort, you can consult the best gastroenterologist at paras hospital gurgaon to identify the root of the pain and resolve your digestive health condition.