Many conditions can cause rectal pain. Most of these are not serious.
The most common causes of rectal pain include:
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (painful swelling of a vein or veins in the anus) are a common problem that affects up to 25% of American adults. They are usually caused by straining during bowel movements. Heavy lifting and childbirth are also common causes. They can cause discomfort when sitting (pressure on hemorrhoids).
Fleeting anal spasm (proctalgia fugax): proctalgia fugax is a condition associated with rectal pain fleeting and occurs in 8% of Americans. This disorder occurs more frequently in women and in people younger than 45 years of age.
Anal fissure: An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin at the opening of the rectum.
The most common causes of rectal pain include:
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (painful swelling of a vein or veins in the anus) are a common problem that affects up to 25% of American adults. They are usually caused by straining during bowel movements. Heavy lifting and childbirth are also common causes. They can cause discomfort when sitting (pressure on hemorrhoids).
Fleeting anal spasm (proctalgia fugax): proctalgia fugax is a condition associated with rectal pain fleeting and occurs in 8% of Americans. This disorder occurs more frequently in women and in people younger than 45 years of age.
Anal fissure: An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin at the opening of the rectum.