Rectal Pain
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Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists
Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colon and Rectal Surgeon & A Private Medical Practice located in the Denver Metropolitan Area, CO
Rectal pain may be the first sign that you have an underlying health condition that needs medical attention. At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, experienced proctologist Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, offers one of the best comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to address rectal pain. If you have pain with bowel movements or notice blood after wiping, don’t delay scheduling a consultation. Call Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists or request an appointment through the online booking system.
Rectal Pain Q & A
What causes rectal pain?
Rectal pain may be something you notice during or after a bowel movement, especially if you’re constipated. You may also experience rectal pain that worsens over time due to an underlying medical issue, such as:
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the lining of the rectum that can become painful or interfere with bowel movements.
Anal fissure
An anal fissure describes a tear in the tissues of the anal canal, often due to hard stools. Fissures can occur occasionally or more frequently depending on your diet and overall health.
Anal fistula
An anal fistula is a tunnel that forms under the skin in the anus and connects to infected, clogged glands in an abscessed cavity.
Anal abscess
An anal abscess occurs when a cavity in the anus develops an infection and fills with pus. It often results from a blocked anal gland.
STD and cancer
Sexually transmitted diseases and cancer can also result in persistent rectal pain, bleeding, and other symptoms, especially in the advanced stages.
How is rectal pain diagnosed?
To better understand the root cause of rectal pain, Dr. Perryman reviews your medical history and the severity of your symptoms. She also performs a gentle exam of your anal area to identify external hemorrhoids and other abnormalities.
Dr. Perryman may need to do additional diagnostic imaging tests to evaluate other potential causes of pain in the rectum. Once she confirms the cause of your rectal pain, Dr. Perryman discusses your options for treatment.
What treatments are available for rectal pain?
To increase your comfort and make it easier for you to have a bowel movement without pain, Dr. Perryman may initially recommend over-the-counter remedies.
Pain relievers and stool softeners can provide relief of pain during bowel movements, and topical creams can help shrink hemorrhoids.
For internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Perryman may recommend rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation (IRC) to destroy the hemorrhoids and provide relief.
For painful external hemorrhoids, an excision procedure done in the office may be needed. It provides immediate pain relief.
If you have anal fistulas, recurrent hemorrhoids, or another serious anal condition, Dr. Perryman may recommend surgery. As a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, she uses the latest surgical techniques to repair damage in the rectum and around the anus without causing unnecessary trauma to the surrounding tissues.
Dr. Perryman also works with you on lifestyle and dietary changes to prevent rectal pain, constipation, and other complications.
If you have rectal pain, don’t delay scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Perryman. Request an appointment through the online booking system or by calling the office.
