Hi. Could anyone please help me with my problem because no meter what I do, it is present almost all the time. I'm 34 year old female and I would like to find out more about this.
About two weeks ago I started to feel this strange rectal pressure.
I don’t know what is causing it but the sensation is very similar to one just before bowel movement. But the thing that’s confusing me is that my bowel is empty and still I have this feeling.
Please tell me what should I do? I have even tried with some anti-constipation medications but nothing could help me.
I'm pretty desperate!
Pressure within the rectum is uncomfortable experience that could be a sign of a more serious condition. It can refer to any discomfort in the anus, rectum, or lower portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Many experience this pressure as the irritation/feeling of fullness about 4-5 inches inside rectum aligned with tail bone. However, the causes for this problem were not always clear to the participants of this discussion.
Any thoughts on what might be wrong with me?
Could anyone please help me with my problem because no meter what I do, it is present almost all the time?
Many people experiencing this problem describe it as having a pressure coming from above their rectum muscle causing rectum to stay tight making passing stool difficult. It usually occurs after the bowel movement, when the bowels never fully empty so people with this problem usually end up frequently visiting bathroom and passing small quantities of feces each time, or not being able to empty their bowels at all.
i'm still constipated and i never feel empty?
Sometimes a sharp stabbing pain in lower abdomen and hips is present, especially when passing stool. Stool can be regular, without any traces of blood.
Besides rectal pressure as the main symptom, users reported other symptoms that may be present, such as:
- rectal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- pelvic pain
- lower back pain
- gas
- bloating
- blood in stool
- sore tailbone
- numbness in lower back
- abdominal cramps
- frequent urination
- urinary burning
- feeling the urge to have bowel movement even though you have already emptied your bowels
- rectal discharge
- painful bowel movements
- nausea
The rectal pressure could be particularly prominent when sitting, especially for a longer period of time. Standing and walking could ease the pressure for a bit, at least until you sit down again. Sitting on 'special' cushions can sometimes help, as well as sitting on one buttock. This could suggest hemorrhoids as a cause of rectal pressure, especially if one feels swollen or 'bunged up' down there.
Some users reported that passing gas helped them relieve the pressure temporarily, which may suggest constipation as a main cause of the pressure.
What do experts say?
Anal pressure referes to the pressure in and around your anus or rectum (perianal region)and it is a common complaint. Pressure in the rectum may be caused by any number of conditions. Some of these are benign requiring minimum medical attention, such as:
- chronic constipation
- internal hemorrhoids
- anal fissure
- anal fistula
- tailbone pain
Other problems causing rectal pressure can be more serious, including:
- polyps of the colon and rectum
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- prostate problems in men
- spinal problems, such as nerve impingement, bulging discs, or sciatica
- herniated coccyx (tail bone) or tail bone curved inward pressing the nerve
- diverticulitis
- autoimmune skin and muscle diseases, such as dermatomyositis
- Crohn's disease
- food allergies
- kidney stone (when you have it you my feel it as if you need to go to the bathroom)
Rectal pressure can also be a sign of cancer (anal or colorectal), prostate cancer in men, or ovarian cancer in women. Here are some warning signs and symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer:
- rectal bleeding
- pain in the anal area
- lumps around your bum, which are often mistaken for piles (hemorrhoids)
- ulcers or swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin areas
- mucus or jelly-like discharge from the anus
- anal itching
- a change in your bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation) or the diameter of your stool
- bloating
- women may experience lower back pain as the tumour exerts pressure on the vagina, as well as vaginal dryness
- a sense of fullness and/or constant need to go to the bathroom, may occur as tumor grows and begins to invade the sphincter muscle.
Although these symptoms may also suggest benign conditions, it is important to seek medical help ASAP.
Women may also experience rectal pressure after hysterectomy, after inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) or after delivering a baby. Many conditions that cause rectal pressure may also cause rectal bleeding, which is usually more frightening than serious.
Diagnosis of rectal pressure
Several tests may be ordered to help diagnose the rectal pressure including:
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Barium enema (colon x-ray)
- Defecography, an x-ray test that shows the rectum and anal canal as they change during having a bowel movement
- MRI
Treatments for rectal pressure
Treatment depends on the cause so it's best to discuss your option with your GP or specialist. The options may range from laxatives in case the constipation causes the pressure to antibiotics in case of an infection. Also, enemas could work pretty quickly, but they are short-term solution because they could only constipate you more after a few days. As suggested in the discussion, long term solution may include Botox injections in rectum, physical therapy for pelvic floor, nitroglycerin cream applied to the anus, as well as Proctosedyl and Rectogesic ointments. If the problem remains or becomes unbearable, you might need a surgery.
Links:
Home remedies you can try to relieve rectal pressure
The change of diet is usually the initial step when trying to fix this problem. This means eating healthier, i.e. lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in fibers. However, raw vegetables may cause gas and may worsen problem with bloating stomach. You should absolutely avoid spicy food and coffee or anything caffeinated. Stop the sugar, dairy, and carbs. Especially the junk food, such as pizza, hot dog, hamburger, French fries, etc. Avoid beer or any alcohol, or smoking cigarettes. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a very restrictive, unconventional diet plan that severely limits most carbs. It's been reported as a useful for rectal pressure.
- Drinking plenty of water also helps passing stool, thus releasing the pressure in the rectal area. Probiotics can be useful too.
- Participants in the discussion suggested supplements such as fiber gummies, Metamucil, or magnesium citrate supplements.
- Staying active can help too. Try to do some exercises for your pelvic area. Lie on your back and pull upwards. Walking helps too and stretching. Put your legs up and let the blood flow back to your upper body. Do brisk walking for 20 minutes, twice a day.
- Find a good qualified massage therapist to help you.
- Sitting in a small amount of warm water in the bathtub could be helpful.
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
- Try using the squat position when using the toilet - it relives the bowels.
Discussion highlights
What symptoms users reported?
Along with constant rectal pressure, discussion participant also reported following symptoms:
- My daughter has had pain and pressure in her rectom for about 2 months now she also has crohn's disease .
- About two months ago, I developed pressure and pain in my rectal area.
- A day later I noticed red streaks of blood in my stool.
- About two days later, I had the blood all over the bowl.
- some more symptoms are: constipation,diarrhea,abdomonal pain,pelvic pain,lower back pain, uninary frequency, urinary burning, slow steam,gas, bloating,painful intercourse.
What medicine doctors prescribed?
After visiting a doctor, users got prescribed following medication:
- I was given Nitroglycerin cream to apply to the anus.
- I went to a Rectal doc who gave me an antibiotic and told me to change my diet.
- I went through biofeedback, which is pelvic floor physical therapy as well as visceral therapy.
- But it normally can be controlled with my gasthroenterologist guidance, omeprazole, dicetel and diet rich in fiber and without the "bads" (we all know 'bout them).
- I felt better for awhile after taking Vancomycin and was treated in the hospital, but recently have begun to feel the same symptoms again.
Additionally, many participants were involved in some of alternative therapies:
- I have also read somewhere that traditional Chinese medical principles say that spine problems are also caused by weak kidneys so supposedly acupuncture could be also helpful.
- I have started to get some relief from visiting a chiropractor and using the electrostimulator on the lumbar and glut muscles.
- I noticed thetool she uses is made by an organization called HeartMath which is a non-profitorganization in California.
- I also order some of their books onanxiety and stress and started reading them.
- He told me to get preparation H cream and put it on before a bowel movement.
In conclusion
Rectal pressure is a common health complaint. While it is usually benign, it may also indicate more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer. It is, therefore, important to make an appointment with your doctor, especially there's a pain that lasts more than a few days, if self-care remedies aren't helping, if there's a change in bowel habit, or rectal bleeding.