Why does my rectal area hurt

We look at 11 causes here, along with the treatment options there are for each one. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, particularly during pregnancy and as people age.

While hemorrhoids sometimes only last for a few days and cause mild…. What can cause rectal pain? Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.

Share on Pinterest Possible causes of rectal pain include hemorrhoids, muscle spasms, and fecal impaction. Anal fissures. Muscle spasms. Fecal impaction. Bowel conditions.

Share on Pinterest A bowel condition may cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Sexually transmitted infections. Rectal prolapse. Anal sex. Rectal abscess. Inflammation of the rectal lining. Pain relief. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should talk to their doctor if rectal pain lasts longer than a few days. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.

Related Coverage. What can cause anal swelling? Why do I wipe blood after I poop? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. How long do hemorrhoids last? This pain is common , and the causes are rarely life threatening.

Oftentimes, it results from a bout of muscle spasms or constipation. Read on to learn more about what can cause these symptoms and when to see your doctor. Although minor injuries can sometimes be treated at home, other conditions may require antibiotics or other medication. In many cases, trauma or injury to the rectum or anus results from anal play during sex or masturbation. It can also result from a particularly hard fall or injury during other physical activity.

People who have significant constipation with hard stools may experience tears in the anal mucosa, also known as anal fissures. These can be quite painful. STIs may spread from the genitals to the rectum, or the infection can be transmitted during anal sex. Hemorrhoids are a very common cause of rectal pain. The symptoms you experience depend on where the hemorrhoid is.

They can sometimes manifest with painless rectal bleeding, especially after having bowel movements. External hemorrhoid arise from blood vessels that are external and from a point where there are nerve connections, which is why people may feel them itching, swelling, and causing pain.

In addition to rectal pain, hemorrhoids can cause:. Anal fissures are small tears in the thin tissue that lines the opening of the rectum. Fissures develop when hard or large stools stretch the delicate lining of the rectum and tear the skin. They heal slowly because any bowel movement can further irritate and inflame the tissue.

Proctalgia fugax is rectal pain caused by muscle spasms in the rectal muscles. This condition affects twice as many women as men and usually occurs in people between 30 and 60 years old. One study estimates that 8 to 18 percent of Americans experience this. The anus is surrounded by small glands that secrete oils to keep anal skin lubricated and healthy.

If one of these glands becomes blocked, an infected cavity abscess may form. Some abscesses around the anus develop into fistulas, or small tunnels that connect the infected gland to an opening in the anus skin. A fistula is more likely to develop if an abscess is untreated. A perianal hematoma occurs when a collection of blood drains into the tissues around the anal opening.

When the blood pools, it causes a lump to form at the anal opening. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition that leads to the development of ulcers in the rectum. Ulcers are open sores that can bleed and drain. Hemorrhoids are very common. Occasionally, a blood clot can develop in an external hemorrhoid. This is known as thrombosis. In addition to rectal pain, a thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause:. An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus.

It's usually caused by an infection near the anus resulting in a collection of pus an abscess. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics if an abscess is picked up early on. If it persists, it may need to be drained in hospital, possibly under general anaesthetic while you're asleep. Many common causes of anal pain improve with simple self-care treatments, so you do not always need to see your GP.

Do not feel embarrassed to see your GP — anal pain is a common problem that they're used to seeing. Your GP can try to work out what the problem is and give you treatment advice. They'll probably ask to see your bottom and may carry out a rectal examination where they gently insert a gloved finger into your bottom to check for any abnormalities. If the cause is not immediately obvious, they may refer you to a specialist for advice and further tests.

Page last reviewed: 02 August Next review due: 02 August Anal pain.