There are many conditions that may cause pressure in your rectum, including constipation, diarrhea, anal fissure, and hemorrhoids. Serious causes of rectal pressure are less common and include diverticulitis, rectal prolapse, and anal cancer.
Pressure in the rectum can feel like a need to move your bowels. It can also feel like stool (poop) is stuck in the lower digestive tract or that something is falling out of your anus. Rectal pressure can range in intensity from a dull aching sensation to pain and cramping. Magic Bullet Vibrator
This article discusses the conditions that may cause the feeling of pressure in the rectum. It explains the different symptoms that may accompany rectal pressure, how they're treated, and when to see your healthcare provider.
The rectum is located at the end of the large intestine and is about 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) long. It is between the last segment of the colon (the sigmoid colon) and the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is a tear or crack in the tissue lining the anus that can cause pain and pressure in the rectum. Other symptoms of anal fissures include rectal bleeding and pain that lasts for hours after a bowel movement.
An anal fissure is usually acute and heals on its own with at-home treatments, such as a high-fiber diet and warm baths. If the anal fissure is chronic and a lingering problem, surgery may be needed.
Constipation is defined as bowel movements that occur less than three times per week. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort; stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all stool has passed, which can cause rectal pressure.
Lifestyle changes, such as adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and being active. Other treatments may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines, biofeedback, or surgery.
Diarrhea is described as loose, watery stools three or more times a day and can be acute (lasting one or two days), persistent (lasting two to four weeks), or chronic (lasting four or more weeks and can be continual or come and go).
For diarrhea, slowing bowel movements down may help with the pressure. This could include taking antidiarrheal medications and eating the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, and toast) diet. For diarrhea that is persistent or chronic, or if you see blood in the stool, check with a doctor before using these drugs.
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the rectum or anus that can be internal or external. This condition can result in anal discomfort or pressure, pain, itchiness, and bleeding. At-home treatments may include:
In some cases, procedures or surgery such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy , or hemorrhoidectomy are done to treat hemorrhoids.
An injury to the coccyx (end of the spine) is called coccydynia , or bruised tailbone. Coccydynia is often related to an injury when falling on the tailbone or during childbirth, or from sitting for prolonged periods on hard surfaces.
Coccydynia will usually heal slowly with time and the following treatments:
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel or connection between two body parts that is usually the result of an injury, surgery, infection, or inflammation. If the fistula occurs between the rectum and the vagina or the intestine and the skin it may cause pressure in the rectum.
Additional symptoms can occur depending on the location of the fistula. Some fistulas will heal on their own without surgery to close them. Other treatments may include fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics, and nutrition support.
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of diverticula (outpouchings) in the lining of the colon. Bloating and gas may put pressure on the rectum. Symptoms can include:
Depending on the severity and frequency of developing diverticulitis, treatment may include:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis) causes inflammation in the digestive tract.
The pressure associated with IBD may be from diarrhea or constipation caused by the disease. It could also be from a complication such as a fistula or perianal disease. Controlling the inflammation caused by IBD is a big part of the treatment.
Treatments for IBD can include oral medications, biologic medications, enemas, suppositories, and lifestyle modifications.
Rectal prolapse occurs when the lining or the wall of the rectum drops down through the anus. Symptoms may include:
A rectal prolapse that stays on the outside of your body can be serious and requires prompt medical treatment. The prolapsed tissue can become strangulated, start to lose circulation, become necrotic, and die.
Seek emergency medical care if rectal prolapse is accompanied by pain, fever, or a lot of bleeding. If the prolapse isn't causing symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Treatment usually involves surgery. Reducing or avoiding constipation is recommended to lower the chance of recurrence.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate—a walnut-shaped gland responsible for producing the fluid portion of semen. Symptoms will differ depending on the cause of inflammation but may include:
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and may include antibiotics or other medications to decrease pain, discomfort, and inflammation. Other treatments may include sitz baths, heat therapy, physical therapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture.
Cancer of the anus is considered rare when compared to other forms of cancer. However, the rate has been increasing by about 2% each year. A bulge or a bump (a mass) in the anal area could cause pressure in the rectum area.
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all treatments used for cancer. It’s important to remember, however, that cancer will not be a common cause of rectal pressure.
Constant pressure in the bowel is not a normal part of the digestive process. See your healthcare provider if symptoms last longer than a few days or are accompanied by the following symptoms:
Talking with a healthcare provider about symptoms in the digestive tract can be difficult. There are some key things to remember when bringing up anal or rectal pressure with your healthcare provider.
Pressure in the rectum may come from a variety of causes, but most of them are temporary and treatable. Seeing a healthcare provider for this symptom will help in understanding what is causing it and how to treat it.
Gardner IH, Siddharthan RV, Tsikitis VL. Benign anorectal disease: hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas. Ann Gastroenterol. 2020;33(1):9-18. doi:10.20524/aog.2019.0438
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition and facts for diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment of hemorrhoids.
National Health Service. Tailbone (coccyx) pain.
University of Rochester Medical Center. Bone bruise.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Colonic and anorectal fistulas.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diverticular disease.
Litta F, Scaldaferri F, Parello A, De Simone V, Gasbarrini A, Ratto C. Anorectal function and quality of life in IBD patients with a perianal complaint. J Invest Surg. 2021;34:547-553. doi:10.1080/08941939.2019.1658830.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Rectal prolapse.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate.
National Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: Anal cancer.
National Cancer Institute. Colorectal cancer treatment.
By Amber J. Tresca Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
Vibrator In Panties By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.