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Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Rectal Pain

Rectal pain is pain that occurs in the anal area during bowel movements or is intermittent whenever other factors cause pressure on the hemorrhoids. The pain can be sudden and intense around the anal area or can be persistent and cramp-like around the anal opening.

Hemorrhoids can form on the inside of the anal canal or on the exterior of the anal opening and pain is one of the symptoms that accompany a hemorrhoid condition.

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that become swollen and irritated from pressure being applied to the hemorrhoids during a bowel movement.




big green butt on rectal pain Although it is common to refer to a painful rectum as the "butt" of some jokes, this painful condition is no laughing matter. If you find yourself with rectal pain, do not wait to check with your doctor.


Internal Hemorrhoids and Pain in the Rectum

If the hemorrhoids are internal they can become prolapsed which is a condition that occurs when the hemorrhoid tissue becomes loose and falls down the anal canal and protrudes from the anal opening. Often internal hemorrhoids do not cause pain but if they become prolapsed they can cause pain during bowel movements or when pressure is applied during prolonged periods of sitting.


Prolapsed hemorrhoids can also cause pain as the result of passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements. If they develop blood clots and become thrombosed they can cause severe pain.

External Hemorrhoids and Pain

External hemorrhoids are swollen anal veins that form on the outside of the anal opening and can cause pain as the result of straining during bowel movements, passing a hard stool, or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Pain can also occur with external hemorrhoids while you are pregnant due to the additional weight and pressure that is applied to the hemorrhoids as the fetus grows.

Pain in the rectum can also occur if the external hemorrhoids develop blood clots and become thrombosed. This is the most painful type of external hemorrhoid condition in which symptoms of rectal pain are quite common.

Anal Fissures and Rectal Pain

Anal fissures are caused by excessive stretching of the anal canal. Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal and around the anal opening which occur during the passing of a hard stool. One of the symptoms of anal fissures is pain when the anal opening has trouble passing a hard stool.

Treatment for a Painful Rectum

The treatment for rectal pain depends upon what condition is causing the symptoms. If hemorrhoids or anal fissures are the root cause of your pain there are a number of common treatments you can use to reduce the pain the rectal area.

  • Warm Sitz Bath

    • Sit in a warm sitz bath for up to 20 minutes several times a day. This will help to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids as well as reduce the symptoms of pain.

  • High Fiber Diet

    • A daily increase of fiber intake can make bowel movements less painful. A diet that is high in fiber includes lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with a daily water intake of up to eight glasses of water each day.

  • Over the Counter Treatments and Pain Relievers

    • There are a number of over the counter treatments that you can use to treat your pain. Some of the treatments include natural ointments and creams and pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

  • Stool Softeners

    • If your pain persists there are a number of stool softeners that you can use to reduce pain during bowel movements.
If rectal pain is persistent it is important to seek the advice of your health care provider to ensure that there are no other underlying conditions that are causing your pain. Although pain is a common symptom of hemorrhoids it is always a good idea to rule out the possibility of other health conditions for your own peace of mind.





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