Rectal Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Rectal pain is pain in the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The term is often used interchangeably with pain in the anus or anal pain. It is a fairly common problem and can result from condition such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Rectal or anal pain can also occur with inflammatory diseases of the bowel, localized infections, or minor injuries to the area. Some causes of rectal pain, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, can be accompanied by other symptoms like rectal bleeding. Cancers are a rare cause of rectal pain.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Rectal Pain
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Anal Fissure An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are...learn more »In This ArticleAnal Fissure Article- What are anal fissures?
- What causes anal fissures?
- What are the symptoms of anal fissures?
- How are anal fissures diagnosed and evaluated?
- How are anal fissures treated?
- Anal Fissures At A Glance
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Constipation Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week....learn more »In This ArticleConstipation Article- Constipation facts
- What is constipation?
- What causes constipation?
- Medications that cause constipation
- Other causes of constipation
- How is constipation evaluated (diagnosed)?
- What treatments are available for constipation?
- Home remedies and OTC medications to treat constipation
- Prescription drugs to treat constipation
- Other treatments for constipation
- What is the approach to the evaluation and treatment of constipation?
- When should I seek medical care for chronic constipation?
- What's new in the treatment of constipation?
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Crohn's Disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect...learn more »In This ArticleCrohn's Disease Article- Crohn's disease facts
- What is Crohn's disease?
- What causes Crohn's disease?
- How does Crohn's disease affect the intestines?
- How is Crohn's disease different from ulcerative colitis?
- What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
- What are the complications of Crohn's disease?
- How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
- How is Crohn's disease treated?
- Crohn's Disease Medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- 5-ASA (mesalamine) oral medications
- 5-ASA rectal medications (Rowasa, Canasa)
- Corticosteroids
- Budesonide (Entocort EC)
- Antibiotics
- Immuno-modulator medications
- Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol)
- Infliximab (Remicade)
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
- Natalizumab (Tysabri)
- Methotrexate
- Surgery in Crohn's disease
- Are there any recommendations for diet and supplementation for Crohn's disease?
- Conclusions
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Diarrhea Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal...learn more »In This ArticleDiarrhea Article- Diarrhea facts
- What is diarrhea?
- How is diarrhea defined?
- Why does diarrhea develop?
- What symptoms are associated with diarrhea?
- What are common causes of acute diarrhea?
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Food poisoning
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Bacterial enterocolitis
- Parasites
- Drugs
- What are common causes of chronic diarrhea?
- What are the complications of diarrhea?
- When should the doctor be called for diarrhea?
- What tests are useful in the evaluation of diarrhea?
- How can dehydration be prevented and treated?
- What is the treatment for diarrhea?
- When should antibiotics be used for diarrhea?
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Gonorrhea In Women Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge,...learn more »In This ArticleGonorrhea In Women Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is gonorrhea?
- What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
- How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea in Women At A Glance
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Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated...learn more »In This ArticleHemorrhoids Article- Hemorrhoid facts
- What are hemorrhoids?
- What causes hemorrhoids?
- What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
- How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for hemorrhoids?
- Diet
- Over-the-counter medications for hemorrhoids
- Nonoperative procedures for internal hemorrhoids
- Surgery
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The intestinal complications of...learn more »In This ArticleInflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) Article- What is inflammatory bowel disease?
- What are the intestinal complications of IBD?
- Are the intestinal complications of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease different?
- Do intestinal ulcers occur in IBD?
- Does gastrointestinal bleeding occur in IBD?
- How do intestinal strictures form in IBD?
- What are the symptoms of intestinal strictures, and how are they diagnosed and treated?
- What are intestinal fistulas?
- What symptoms do fistulas cause and how are they diagnosed and treated?
- What are fissures and how are they treated?
- What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
- Does colon cancer occur in IBD?
- What should be done about polyps in IBD?
- What is toxic megacolon and what are its causes?
- What kind of malabsorption occurs in IBD?
- Intestinal Problems in IBD At A Glance
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs) When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs) Article- Pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs
- STDs include
- What are the symptoms of STDs?
- How can STDs affect my pregnancy?
- How can I find out if I have an STD?
- How are STDs treated in pregnancy?
- How can I protect myself from STDs?
- How can I prevent spreading a STD?
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men facts
- What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
- Diseases associated with genital lesions
- Chancroid
- Genital herpes
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
- Syphilis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Diseases associated with urethritis
- Urethritis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Systemic STDs
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
- Ectoparasitic infections
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
- Chancroid
- Ectoparasitic Infections
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Conclusions
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Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding....learn more »In This ArticleUlcerative Colitis Article- Ulcerative colitis facts
- What is ulcerative colitis?
- What causes ulcerative colitis?
- What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
- How is the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis made?
- What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
- What are the treatments for ulcerative colitis?
- What are ulcerative colitis medications?
- 5-ASA Compounds
- Systemic corticosteroids (including side effects)
- Golimumab (Simponi)
- What are immunomodulator medications?
- Summary of medication treatment
- Surgery for ulcerative colitis
- Treatment by disease severity and location (based on ACG Practice Guidelines)
- Are there any special dietary requirements for persons with ulcerative colitis?
- What research is being done regarding ulcerative colitis?
Other Causes of Rectal Pain
- Abscess
- Anorectal Fistula
- Benign or Malignant Tumors
- Fecal Impaction
- Foreign Bodies
- Levator Ani Syndrome
- Proctalgia Fugax
- Proctitis
- Pruritus Ani
- Rectal Prolapse
- Trauma or Other Injuries
- Ulcers
Examples of Medications for Rectal Pain
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