Pain in Rectal Area

Having pain in the rectal area is not uncommon and is usually not a cause for concern. However, any type of pain can be worrisome so seeking medical advice is a good idea.

There are many common causes of rectal pain including anal fissures, anal fistula and hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are rectal veins that are swollen and caused mainly by bowl movement straining when they occur in men. Hemorrhoids cause bowl movements to be painful, make sitting properly a challenge and are overall uncomfortable.

Anal fissures are small tears found in the skin surrounding the rectal opening. This too is typically caused by straining to have a bowel movement. The pain can be compared to a knife cutting the skin and even when the rectum is at rest, there is a throbbing pain that may or may not be constant. Both fissures and hemorrhoids can be cured with home care in most situations. However, if things get out of hand, medical procedures may be necessary.

An anal fistula (which can be had in conjunction with hemorrhoids and/or fissures) is connection between the perennial skin and the anal canal. This connection is abnormal and can cause a great amount of pain. Depending on the severity of the fistula, the patient may not opt for any treatment or stitching may be needed. Once a diagnosis is made, a medical professional can make the proper call.