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.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2007 |
Author:Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Last Updated: 05/22/2007
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