These attacks can last up to 30 minutes before disappearing.
It affects adults and is more prevalent in women.
It is diagnosed when identifiable causes of rectal pain have been excluded.
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Symptoms of Proctalgia Fugax
The pain of proctalgia fugax is solely experienced in the anus or rectum.
In most cases, these attacks are fairly infrequent and occur less than five times per year.
Compression of the primary nerve in the anal and genital regioncalledthepudendalnervemay also cause these short and intermittent pains.
The reason why these issues may occur is not well understood.
Quite often, the pain occurs spontaneously and people really cannot narrow down a cause.
Although painful, proctalgia fugax is not a sign of a serious bowel disease.
People who haveirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) also may be at higher risk of experiencing this condition.
This will involve a physical examination, diagnostic tests, and potentially other evaluations.
Your healthcare provider is likely to be supportive and explain your symptoms.
Talk to a healthcare provider about increasing your intake of fiber and water to make bowel movements easier.
Medication
Medication may be an option in more severe cases.
Electrical stimulation, as well as treatments for functional anorectal pain using Botox, also are under investigation.
Summary
Proctalgia fugax causes brief spasms of anorectal pain with no symptoms between episodes.
Although uncomfortable, the cramps are harmless.
See a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing pain in your anus or rectum.
Healthcare providers will rule out other possible causes of anorectal pain before diagnosing proctalgia fugax.
At-home remedies may relieve mild pain.
In more severe cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medication or perform a medical procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proctalgia fugax can cause severe pain that leads tofainting, but this is rare.
If this happens to you, see your healthcare provider to get evaluated for other potential causes.
Autoimmune diseasesare not known to cause rectal pain, but certain types can cause abdominal symptoms.
Proctalgia fugax is estimated to affect between 8% to 18% of the population.
Though it affects men too, it is more common in women.
It typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.
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