Rectal Pain

Rectal pain is a common complaint which affects up to one in four adults. Fortunately, it isn’t always an indication of a serious underlying condition though.

What are the causes of rectal pain?

The most common causes are haemorrhoids, anal fissures, lodged foreign bodies, infections, or bowel disease (colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome).

Are there other symptoms associated with rectal pain?

Haemorrhoids usually only cause mild itching and discomfort, with or without bleeding. But if a clot forms, severe pain may occur. An anal fissure, a small cut or tear in the lining, often leads to a sharp pain when the fissure forms.

Later, this becomes a dull, aching pain. Anal fissures cause sharp pain during bowel movements, and sometimes blood in the stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.