The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine, and it ends at the anus. Injury, inflammation, and infections that affect the anus and rectum can cause rectal pain. For instance, determining when the pain occurs — such as when sitting or during a bowel movement — and uncovering any additional symptoms can help narrow down the cause. Rectal pain has a wide variety of causes, from minor to serious. Because pain around the rectum has so many possible sources, it is important to get a proper diagnosis.
Rectal pain can refer to any pain or discomfort in the anus, rectum, or lower portion of the gastrointestinal GI tract. This pain is common , and the causes are rarely serious. 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.
Anal pain — pain in and around your anus or rectum perianal region — is a common complaint. Although most causes of anal pain are benign, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the perianal region. Many conditions that cause anal pain may also cause rectal bleeding, which is usually more frightening than serious. The causes of anal pain usually can be easily diagnosed. Anal pain usually can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and hot water soaks sitz baths.
Rectal pain a common health condition we try our best to ignore and hope will go away. We will often endure an itch, a pain, or a sore for months and even years at a time out of pure embarrassment and avoid treatment that could otherwise make things better. It's the kind of hesitancy that put in harm's way. Because for every pain or itch that ends up being be nothing more than a hemorrhoid, there are other times when the outcomes are far worse.