Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · General Physician
No, your rectum should not be throbbing for no reason. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as proctalgia fugax (rectal muscle spasms), anal fissures, or hemorrhoids.
Rectal pain can be caused by straining during bowel movements due to constipation, chronic diarrhea, and abdominal pressure. Other causes may include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pinworms, overuse of enemas or suppositories, food allergies or sensitivities that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, and tumors in the pelvis.
If your rectal pain was sudden and ongoing it is important to see your healthcare provider for evaluation. Treatment options depend on the cause so accurate diagnosis is important for proper treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water to help with constipation if it’s causing pain; he/she may also prescribe topical medications or antibiotics for infected areas such as anal fissures or STIs.
