Anal pain or spasm (proctalgia, levator ani syndrome)

Overview

Other causes like fissures, hemorrhoids, and abscesses should be ruled out first.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden sharp rectal pain
• Pain, itching, or swelling at the bottom

Less common

• Dull ache when sitting

When to get medical care

Causes

Muscle spasm.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Stress
• Ages 30 to 60

Possible complications

• Anal fissure

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Questions you may be asked

• Bleeding, bowel changes

The exam

Gentle rectal exam.

Treatment

Relax the muscles.

Self-care

• Sit in a warm bath
• Avoid constipation
• Try pelvic floor relaxation

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Pelvic floor physical therapy helps ongoing pain.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or a colon and rectal surgeon.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Anal pain or spasm (proctalgia, levator ani syndrome)