Pain in the rectum is quite common and can have several causes. The treatment you receive depends on what caused the trouble.
What is the cause of the pain in the rectum?
The pain may be due to a crack in the rectum opening and then it usually hurts when you poop. Other causes may be hemorrhoids or bleeding under the skin at the rectum. You may get cracks or hemorrhoids when you have constipation or hard stools.
In children, constipation and cracks are common causes of pain in the rectum.
Boils or fistulas can also cause pain. A fistula is one that has arisen between the rectum and the skin around the rectum opening.
Spasmodic pain
Proctalgia fugax is a condition that causes a sudden and spasmodic pain in the rectum. It can hurt for a few seconds to an hour. The pain can be recurring and unpleasant but is not a sign of something dangerous.
Proctalgia fugax often comes at night and not in conjunction with pooping.
The pain is due to cramping in the muscles of the pelvic floor and usually occurs when standing or lying down. It is unclear why proctalgia fugax occurs.
When and where should I seek care?
Contact a health care center if you have pain that does not go away in a couple of weeks. You can contact many receptions by logging in.
Contact a health care center or an on-call reception as soon as possible if you quickly get a lot of pain around the rectum. You do not need to seek care elsewhere if it is closed. Wait until the on-call reception or medical center open.
Treatment of pain in the rectum
The treatment in the rectum you receive depends on what caused the trouble.
There are various non-prescription drugs that relieve pain, itching and counteract inflammation. The drugs are available as a cream, ointment and as suppositories that you bring into the rectum. Ointments often help with hemorrhoids, no matter why you are in pain. Ask your pharmacist which drug you should take, based on your complaints.
Talk to a doctor if the non-prescription drugs do not help. The doctor can then prescribe medicines on prescription.
Hemorrhoids may need to be treated surgically. Boils and fistulas are usually operated.
Influence and participate in your care
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare personnel. Ask questions if you don’t understand.
You have the opportunity to get help from an interpreter. You also have the opportunity to get help from an interpreter if you have a hearing loss.