“What causes rectal pain?”
For several weeks, I have had shooting pains in my rectum. What should I do? Is this a sign of something serious?
2 Answers
This symptom is frrequently seen in a syndrome called "PROCTALGIA FUGAX"--which translates to "FLEETING RECTAL PAIN"--or also known as "LEVATOR MUSCLE SPASM"(the levator is a muscle in the rectum that can go into spasm intermittently and can cause intermittent, short-lived, moderate to severe pain in the rectum.
But, other more serious conditions must be looked for and ruled out--such as proctitis, prostatitis, rectal/colon cancer. Thus you may need to undergo a SIGMOIDOSCOPY, PROSTATE EXAM, and maybe even rectal or distal colonic manometry where ther pressures in the rectum/distal colon can be measured and correlated with clinical sx.
But, other more serious conditions must be looked for and ruled out--such as proctitis, prostatitis, rectal/colon cancer. Thus you may need to undergo a SIGMOIDOSCOPY, PROSTATE EXAM, and maybe even rectal or distal colonic manometry where ther pressures in the rectum/distal colon can be measured and correlated with clinical sx.
There are many causes of rectal pain including, hemorrhoids, abscesses or even cancers. It could be due to benign disease or something more serious. In cases such as this it is best to make an appointment with your doctor for a full history and physical.
