Rectal spasms
Current as of: April 15, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Search by keyword or browse our list of services.
Find a provider by specialty, location, or availability.
See current studies testing new drugs, devices, and equipment to find better ways to treat and help patients.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 without delay.
Search by specialty and location.
Receive the highest level of care from the region's leading providers.
Find a lab or imaging facility close to you.
Find an outpatient infusion center.
Visit us to pay bills, ask billing questions, or request billing records.
Rectal spasms (proctalgia fugax) can cause pain in the rectum. The cause of the spasms is unknown. Most people who have rectal spasms have episodes of sharp pain or severe cramps that last from several seconds to several minutes. The episodes may occur several times a year.
Both men and women can be affected. It is uncommon in children before the age of puberty. People with abdominal problems, such as peptic ulcer disease or irritable bowel syndrome, are more likely to have rectal spasms.
Other symptoms that may occur with the spasms are nausea, sweating, and feeling restless when the pain is present.
Treating rectal spasms is not easy to do, because most spasms don't last long enough for any treatment to work. Some people find relief by pushing on the anal area with their hand or by sitting across (straddling) something like the edge of the bathtub or a bike seat. Soaking in a warm bath may help, but usually the pain goes away before the bathtub is filled. If you have severe spasms, talk to your doctor.
Current as of: April 15, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more, visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.
Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.