Proctalgia fugax: This is a disorder of the rectum that results in episodes of severe rectal pain that come on suddenly and go away on their own after a few minutes or less. A spasm, or tightening, of muscles in the pelvis and anal canal causes proctalgia fugax. It does not typically cause long-term problems or complications. Factors that trigger the pain can include stress, bowel movements, sexual activity, constipation, or menstrual periods in women.

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References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.