Rectal pain may have many causes.
- Passing hard stools irritates the tissues lining
the
rectum and anus and may even slightly tear these
tissues. The pain from passing a hard stool usually goes away within half an
hour of passing the stool.
- Sometimes severe itching (pruritis) and
scratching can cause rectal pain. Home treatment often can reduce itching and
scratching.
- Hemorrhoids are another common cause of
rectal pain. Often the pain of hemorrhoids can be prevented with home
treatment. It is important to avoid constipation and
diarrhea.
- Rectal pain may mean an
anal fissure or
anorectal abscess has developed.
Call your health professional for an evaluation if you have rectal
pain that is severe or does not improve with home treatment.
