Rectal pain
Only a minority of cases of pain in the rectum is caused by serious illness. Most cases are due to benign conditions relatively easily treated.
However, a consultant surgeon to determine the cause of the pain must examine all cases of rectal pain.
In all cases it will be necessary to perform an endoscopy of the rectum and lower part of the colon, a so-called sigmoidoscopy.
Read more about sigmoidoscopy.
If there are other symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, stool changes, mucus departure, weight loss or otherwise, a full endoscopy of the entire large bowel, a so-called colonoscopy, must be performed.
The causes of rectal pain can be many. There may be:
- hemorrhoids
- fissures/tears
- abscesses
- intestinal Inflammation
- colorectal cancer
- Prolapse of the mucosa or intestinal
- Spasms in or around the anus (proctalgia fugax or levator ani syndrome)
You can read more about these conditions and their treatment on this website.
Unless the cause of the pain can be determined, and especially if there is suspicion of pain caused by more serious conditions, you will be referred to the hospital for more advanced examination (CT/MRI scan).
Important information you can give your doctor:
- How long have you had rectal pain?
- Does the pain occur only with bowel movement?
- Has the stool pattern changed?
- Have you had any weight-loss?
- Are there other symptoms such as bleeding or itching?
- Are there serious intestinal diseases in the family (bowel cancer, inflammation)?
- Are you taking any medications?
