Causes, remedies, and when to contact a doctor

Rectal pain can result from injury, inflammation, or infections that affect the rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids, prostatitis, and endometriosis are among many possible causes. Treatment will depend on the cause.

The rectum is a part of the digestive system that begins at the lower part of the large intestine and ends at the anus.

People may experience rectal pain at particular times, such as when sitting, walking, or during bowel movements. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, people may experience additional symptoms, such as constipation, rectal bleeding, or pressure in the pelvic area.

There are many possible causes of rectal pain, so it is important for people to contact a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

This article lists some potential causes of rectal pain according to when the pain is likely to occur. We also list remedies for rectal pain and possible accompanying symptoms. Finally, we provide information on diagnosis and when to contact a doctor.

Below are some potential causes of rectal pain. In some cases, they may occur alongside the appearance of symptoms.

When sitting

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. They can be external or internal.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), external hemorrhoids can cause rectal pain or ache when sitting.

Other possible symptoms include:

• anal itching
• hard, sensitive lumps around the anus
• anal ache or pain

The NIDDK states that the symptoms of external hemorrhoids typically resolve within a few days.

When an internal hemorrhoid bulges out into the rectum, it becomes a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This is a common cause of rectal discomfort, pain, and pressure.

Internal hemorrhoids that have not prolapsed are usually not painful, but people may experience bleeding from the rectum.

When walking

A thrombosed external hemorrhoid is a blood clot that occurs in an external hemorrhoid.

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), large, thrombosed external hemorrhoids can cause pain when walking, when people sit, or during a bowel movement.

People may have an anal mass that appears suddenly and causes pain. According to the ASCRS, the pain may worsen during the first 48 hours but then ease off over the following few days. If the skin covering the blood clot opens, people may also experience bleeding.

When urinating

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to make seminal fluid.

Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes infected with bacteria from the urine or rectum. The condition may cause pain when urinating, along with rectal pain or pressure.

Other possible symptoms of prostatitis include:

• throbbing sensations in the rectal area
• frequent need to urinate
• low urine output
• a burning or stinging sensation when urinating
• pain in the pelvis or lower back
• erectile dysfunction

When lying down

Levator syndrome (LS) is a condition that causes episodic pain in the rectum or bony structures at the base of the spine. Experts do not know the exact cause of LS. However, it is likely due to the spasm of the levator muscles in the pelvic floor. People may experience spasms for no clear reason or after having a bowel movement.

LS can cause pain or a dull ache in the rectum, anus, or tailbone. According to the ASCRS, sitting or lying down can worsen LS symptoms.

At night

Proctalgia fugax (PF) is sudden and intense pain in the rectum that can last for several minutes at a time. The condition typically occurs at night and may wake a person from sleeping. However, it can also happen during the day.

PF likely occurs as a result of spasms in the rectum or pelvic floor muscles.

When coughing

Rectal prolapse is the medical term for when the rectum falls out of place and drops through the anus. A person who has a rectal prolapse may feel a bulge from their anus when straining, such as when coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting.

Rectal prolapse can cause pressure and pain in the rectum or anus. Other symptoms may include:

• mucus in stool
• bleeding from the rectum or anus
• constipation
• an inability to control bowel movements

During ovulation

Some people may experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms during the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle. In certain cases, severe pain can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterus lining grows in abnormal places, such as the bowels. If endometriosis is present in the rectal area, it can cause pressure on the rectal wall, resulting in the following symptoms:

• rectal pain
• painful bowel movements
• constipation
• back pain

During a period

During menstruation, the body releases chemicals called prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins can cause the bowel wall to contract, causing pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience changes in their symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle, and these may correspond to natural hormone fluctuations. According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, studies have found that people with IBS may experience an increase in rectal sensitivity during their period.

During pregnancy

A 2018 study assessed anal pain in 94 females in weeks 19–25 of pregnancy. Participants filled out a questionnaire reporting on anal symptoms throughout the following stages of pregnancy:

• the second and third trimester
• the postpartum period
• three months postpartum

According to the results, 68% of participants experienced anal symptoms, with anal pain being the most common. Other anal symptoms included:

• constipation
• an inability to control bowel movements
• hemorrhoidal complications
• anal fissures

Risk factors for anal symptoms included constipation and medical history of anal problems.

After a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a medical term for the removal of the uterus. In some cases, a hysterectomy can weaken the connective tissue between the rectum and the vagina. This can cause a rectocele, a type of prolapse in which the rectum pushes into the vagina.

People may experience symptoms of a rectocele in the rectum, vagina, or both. Symptoms may include:

• pressure in the pelvis
• pain in the abdomen or lower back
• a sensation of something falling down within the pelvis
• feeling a mass within the vagina
• vaginal bleeding that is not due to the menstrual cycle
• constipation
• difficulty having bowel movements
• bowels not feeling empty after a bowel movement
• in some cases, the inability to control a bowel movement

Standing up may worsen symptoms, whereas lying down may ease them.

Before or after a bowel movement

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal, which is the end of the large intestine between the rectum and anus.

Anal fissures can cause sharp pain, which may begin with a bowel movement and can continue for a few minutes to hours. Other symptoms may include bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper after having a bowel movement or a skin tag, or a small lump that appears near the anal fissure.

After a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube called an endoscope into the anus and through the rectum to the colon. The scope has a camera attached, which allows a doctor to see inside the colon.

People may experience some mild pain or pressure during a colonoscopy. However, a doctor can provide a sedative to help reduce any discomfort.

Gentle movement and walking may help to alleviate any anal, rectal, or gas pains after the procedure.

During or after receptive anal intercourse or instrumentation

The skin around the rectum is very sensitive. Friction from sexual activity involving the anus or inserting objects into the rectum can cause injury, irritation, swelling, or bleeding.

Anal sex is mostly safe. If a person experiences pain during or after anal sex, they may need to increase lubrication.

Individuals who engage in unprotected anal intercourse are at a greater risk of anorectal infections. The most common symptom is a frequent or continuous urge to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms may also include anorectal pain or discomfort.

Learn about how to practice anal sex safely here.

Other medical conditions that can cause rectal pain include:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions: Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis (UC). These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn’s most often affects the portion of the small intestine before the large intestine and colon. UC is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.

However, if UC only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis. People with this condition may experience pain in the rectal area.

Other symptoms include:

• tenesmus, a frequent desire to pass feces
• bloody diarrhea
• bleeding in the rectal area

Research has shown that proctitis has also resulted from medical procedures. Chronic radiation proctitis is a side effect that affects 5–20% of people receiving radiation treatment for cancer. A case report from 2000 also demonstrates that one person developed ulcerative proctitis 10 months after a fecal microbiota transplant.

Stercoral ulcers

Stercoral ulcers occur when a person has chronic constipation leading to stagnation of fecal matter.

Multiple areas of ulceration can present in the colon. The most common locations of ulceration are in the sigmoid colon and the rectum.

Anorectal cancer

Anorectal cancer refers to any cancer that affects the anus or rectum.

With anal cancer, a person may not experience symptoms straightaway. They may notice anal bleeding, which people often mistake for hemorrhoids.

Other symptoms of anal cancer include:

• rectal itching
• a lump where the anus opens
• a feeling of fullness or pain at the anus
• changes in bowel movements, including narrower stools
• anal discharge
• swollen lymph nodes at the anus or groin
• difficulty controlling bowel movements

Many of these symptoms may have causes that are not related to anorectal cancers. However, if a person notices these symptoms, it is important they contact a doctor.

The treatment options for rectal pain may vary depending on the underlying cause.

To relieve general pain around the rectum and anus, people can try the following:

• taking a sitz bath or sitting in warm water for a few minutes
• gently washing the area with lukewarm water, particularly after a bowel movement or sweating
• avoiding using any irritating detergents or soap
• wearing breathable, cotton underwear
• wearing loose, comfortable clothing
• avoiding sitting for long periods
• sitting on a cushion or rubber ring to relieve pressure
• taking over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain
• using a stool softener, making stools easier to pass
• eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement
• taking any medications according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions

Some conditions may require surgical treatment if a person experiences severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond to more conservative treatment. Examples include:

• severe fissures
• severe fistulas
• severe hemorrhoids

A person who experiences rectal pain may also experience accompanying symptoms. Depending on the cause of the rectal pain, these may include:

• a feeling of pressure in the anal, rectal, or pelvic area
• a sensation of the bowels not emptying fully after a bowel movement
• difficulty having bowel movements
• gas and gas pains
• leakage or an inability to control bowel movements
• rectal or anal bleeding

A doctor may carry out a rectal examination to diagnose the cause of rectal pain.

During a rectal examination, a person will lie down on their left side, with their knees curled towards their chest. A doctor will then insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any problems. People may need to squeeze around the finger to test muscle function.

Depending on the person’s symptoms, a doctor may also carry out additional tests. These may include:

• Endorectal ultrasound: This allows a doctor to see images of the rectal wall and surrounding areas. It can be useful in showing rectoceles or rectal prolapse.
• Anorectal manometry: This test assesses the function and strength of muscles around the rectum.
• Videodefecogram: This is a specialized X-ray to show muscle function during bowel movements.

People who experience any of the following symptoms will need to contact a doctor:

• rectal pain that does not ease or eases and then returns
• severe pain or other symptoms
• ongoing rectal bleeding
• a visible or palpable mass that does not improve
• recent trauma to the anus

People may experience rectal pain for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, hemorrhoids, and muscle spasms. Depending on the cause, symptoms may ease or worsen with a change of position, such as sitting, lying down, or walking.

People may be able to ease rectal pain with home remedies, such as taking a warm bath, sitting on a cushion, or taking pain relief medication.

A person will need to contact a doctor if they experience persistent or worsening rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms.

Causes, remedies, and when to contact a doctor

Rectal pain can result from injury, inflammation, or infections that affect the rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids, prostatitis, and endometriosis are among many possible causes. Treatment will depend on the cause.

The rectum is a part of the digestive system that begins at the lower part of the large intestine and ends at the anus.

People may experience rectal pain at particular times, such as when sitting, walking, or during bowel movements. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, people may experience additional symptoms, such as constipation, rectal bleeding, or pressure in the pelvic area.

There are many possible causes of rectal pain, so it is important for people to contact a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

This article lists some potential causes of rectal pain according to when the pain is likely to occur. We also list remedies for rectal pain and possible accompanying symptoms. Finally, we provide information on diagnosis and when to contact a doctor.

Below are some potential causes of rectal pain. In some cases, they may occur alongside the appearance of symptoms.

When sitting

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. They can be external or internal.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), external hemorrhoids can cause rectal pain or ache when sitting.

Other possible symptoms include:

• anal itching
• hard, sensitive lumps around the anus
• anal ache or pain

The NIDDK states that the symptoms of external hemorrhoids typically resolve within a few days.

When an internal hemorrhoid bulges out into the rectum, it becomes a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This is a common cause of rectal discomfort, pain, and pressure.

Internal hemorrhoids that have not prolapsed are usually not painful, but people may experience bleeding from the rectum.

When walking

A thrombosed external hemorrhoid is a blood clot that occurs in an external hemorrhoid.

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), large, thrombosed external hemorrhoids can cause pain when walking, when people sit, or during a bowel movement.

People may have an anal mass that appears suddenly and causes pain. According to the ASCRS, the pain may worsen during the first 48 hours but then ease off over the following few days. If the skin covering the blood clot opens, people may also experience bleeding.

When urinating

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to make seminal fluid.

Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes infected with bacteria from the urine or rectum. The condition may cause pain when urinating, along with rectal pain or pressure.

Other possible symptoms of prostatitis include:

• throbbing sensations in the rectal area
• frequent need to urinate
• low urine output
• a burning or stinging sensation when urinating
• pain in the pelvis or lower back
• erectile dysfunction

When lying down

Levator syndrome (LS) is a condition that causes episodic pain in the rectum or bony structures at the base of the spine. Experts do not know the exact cause of LS. However, it is likely due to the spasm of the levator muscles in the pelvic floor. People may experience spasms for no clear reason or after having a bowel movement.

LS can cause pain or a dull ache in the rectum, anus, or tailbone. According to the ASCRS, sitting or lying down can worsen LS symptoms.

At night

Proctalgia fugax (PF) is sudden and intense pain in the rectum that can last for several minutes at a time. The condition typically occurs at night and may wake a person from sleeping. However, it can also happen during the day.

PF likely occurs as a result of spasms in the rectum or pelvic floor muscles.

When coughing

Rectal prolapse is the medical term for when the rectum falls out of place and drops through the anus. A person who has a rectal prolapse may feel a bulge from their anus when straining, such as when coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting.

Rectal prolapse can cause pressure and pain in the rectum or anus. Other symptoms may include:

• mucus in stool
• bleeding from the rectum or anus
• constipation
• an inability to control bowel movements

During ovulation

Some people may experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms during the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle. In certain cases, severe pain can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterus lining grows in abnormal places, such as the bowels. If endometriosis is present in the rectal area, it can cause pressure on the rectal wall, resulting in the following symptoms:

• rectal pain
• painful bowel movements
• constipation
• back pain

During a period

During menstruation, the body releases chemicals called prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins can cause the bowel wall to contract, causing pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience changes in their symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle, and these may correspond to natural hormone fluctuations. According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, studies have found that people with IBS may experience an increase in rectal sensitivity during their period.

During pregnancy

A 2018 study assessed anal pain in 94 females in weeks 19–25 of pregnancy. Participants filled out a questionnaire reporting on anal symptoms throughout the following stages of pregnancy:

• the second and third trimester
• the postpartum period
• three months postpartum

According to the results, 68% of participants experienced anal symptoms, with anal pain being the most common. Other anal symptoms included:

• constipation
• an inability to control bowel movements
• hemorrhoidal complications
• anal fissures

Risk factors for anal symptoms included constipation and medical history of anal problems.

After a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a medical term for the removal of the uterus. In some cases, a hysterectomy can weaken the connective tissue between the rectum and the vagina. This can cause a rectocele, a type of prolapse in which the rectum pushes into the vagina.

People may experience symptoms of a rectocele in the rectum, vagina, or both. Symptoms may include:

• pressure in the pelvis
• pain in the abdomen or lower back
• a sensation of something falling down within the pelvis
• feeling a mass within the vagina
• vaginal bleeding that is not due to the menstrual cycle
• constipation
• difficulty having bowel movements
• bowels not feeling empty after a bowel movement
• in some cases, the inability to control a bowel movement

Standing up may worsen symptoms, whereas lying down may ease them.

Before or after a bowel movement

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal, which is the end of the large intestine between the rectum and anus.

Anal fissures can cause sharp pain, which may begin with a bowel movement and can continue for a few minutes to hours. Other symptoms may include bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper after having a bowel movement or a skin tag, or a small lump that appears near the anal fissure.

After a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube called an endoscope into the anus and through the rectum to the colon. The scope has a camera attached, which allows a doctor to see inside the colon.

People may experience some mild pain or pressure during a colonoscopy. However, a doctor can provide a sedative to help reduce any discomfort.

Gentle movement and walking may help to alleviate any anal, rectal, or gas pains after the procedure.

During or after receptive anal intercourse or instrumentation

The skin around the rectum is very sensitive. Friction from sexual activity involving the anus or inserting objects into the rectum can cause injury, irritation, swelling, or bleeding.

Anal sex is mostly safe. If a person experiences pain during or after anal sex, they may need to increase lubrication.

Individuals who engage in unprotected anal intercourse are at a greater risk of anorectal infections. The most common symptom is a frequent or continuous urge to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms may also include anorectal pain or discomfort.

Learn about how to practice anal sex safely here.

Other medical conditions that can cause rectal pain include:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions: Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis (UC). These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn’s most often affects the portion of the small intestine before the large intestine and colon. UC is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.

However, if UC only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis. People with this condition may experience pain in the rectal area.

Other symptoms include:

• tenesmus, a frequent desire to pass feces
• bloody diarrhea
• bleeding in the rectal area

Research has shown that proctitis has also resulted from medical procedures. Chronic radiation proctitis is a side effect that affects 5–20% of people receiving radiation treatment for cancer. A case report from 2000 also demonstrates that one person developed ulcerative proctitis 10 months after a fecal microbiota transplant.

Stercoral ulcers

Stercoral ulcers occur when a person has chronic constipation leading to stagnation of fecal matter.

Multiple areas of ulceration can present in the colon. The most common locations of ulceration are in the sigmoid colon and the rectum.

Anorectal cancer

Anorectal cancer refers to any cancer that affects the anus or rectum.

With anal cancer, a person may not experience symptoms straightaway. They may notice anal bleeding, which people often mistake for hemorrhoids.

Other symptoms of anal cancer include:

• rectal itching
• a lump where the anus opens
• a feeling of fullness or pain at the anus
• changes in bowel movements, including narrower stools
• anal discharge
• swollen lymph nodes at the anus or groin
• difficulty controlling bowel movements

Many of these symptoms may have causes that are not related to anorectal cancers. However, if a person notices these symptoms, it is important they contact a doctor.

The treatment options for rectal pain may vary depending on the underlying cause.

To relieve general pain around the rectum and anus, people can try the following:

• taking a sitz bath or sitting in warm water for a few minutes
• gently washing the area with lukewarm water, particularly after a bowel movement or sweating
• avoiding using any irritating detergents or soap
• wearing breathable, cotton underwear
• wearing loose, comfortable clothing
• avoiding sitting for long periods
• sitting on a cushion or rubber ring to relieve pressure
• taking over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain
• using a stool softener, making stools easier to pass
• eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement
• taking any medications according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions

Some conditions may require surgical treatment if a person experiences severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond to more conservative treatment. Examples include:

• severe fissures
• severe fistulas
• severe hemorrhoids

A person who experiences rectal pain may also experience accompanying symptoms. Depending on the cause of the rectal pain, these may include:

• a feeling of pressure in the anal, rectal, or pelvic area
• a sensation of the bowels not emptying fully after a bowel movement
• difficulty having bowel movements
• gas and gas pains
• leakage or an inability to control bowel movements
• rectal or anal bleeding

A doctor may carry out a rectal examination to diagnose the cause of rectal pain.

During a rectal examination, a person will lie down on their left side, with their knees curled towards their chest. A doctor will then insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any problems. People may need to squeeze around the finger to test muscle function.

Depending on the person’s symptoms, a doctor may also carry out additional tests. These may include:

• Endorectal ultrasound: This allows a doctor to see images of the rectal wall and surrounding areas. It can be useful in showing rectoceles or rectal prolapse.
• Anorectal manometry: This test assesses the function and strength of muscles around the rectum.
• Videodefecogram: This is a specialized X-ray to show muscle function during bowel movements.

People who experience any of the following symptoms will need to contact a doctor:

• rectal pain that does not ease or eases and then returns
• severe pain or other symptoms
• ongoing rectal bleeding
• a visible or palpable mass that does not improve
• recent trauma to the anus

People may experience rectal pain for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, hemorrhoids, and muscle spasms. Depending on the cause, symptoms may ease or worsen with a change of position, such as sitting, lying down, or walking.

People may be able to ease rectal pain with home remedies, such as taking a warm bath, sitting on a cushion, or taking pain relief medication.

A person will need to contact a doctor if they experience persistent or worsening rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms.

Treatment of hemorrhoids with folk remedies. We use grandmother’s recipes

Hemorrhoids is a disease in which the vascular plexuses of the anus and rectum change. Such changes are accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms, of which the most common is blood on toilet paper. Much less common are symptoms such as burning in the anus, pain during and after defecation. However, all of them cause certain inconveniences and reduce the quality of life of the patient. It is possible to alleviate discomfort with the help of traditional medicine, such treatment is usually prescribed outside periods of exacerbation and only after agreement with the attending physician. Let’s consider the main ones.

Oral herbal decoctions

Taking decoctions inside helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve their tone, thus affecting the cause of the disease. The most effective are decoctions based on the following herbs:
1. Infusion of kidney herb, which is also popularly called “hemorrhoid herb”. For one tablespoon of raw materials, 500 ml of boiling water is used (this amount is enough for a day). Infusion is consumed during the day in three divided doses. The medicine has not only a tonic effect, but also helps to stop bleeding from hemorrhoidal veins.
2. A mixture of yarrow and nettle is used in small quantities: 1 tablespoon of a mixture of herbs is heated in 1 glass of water in a water bath. Use the resulting medicine 5 times a day, 15 ml in order to stop the bleeding of hemorrhoidal veins.
3. Wild raspberry leaves infuse very quickly – 2 tbsp. leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water. After half an hour, the product is ready for use.
4. Carrot tops are brewed at the rate of 40 g of greens per liter of water. Take internally in courses – three glasses a day for two weeks.
5. Fresh red beet juice. Take a quarter cup inside with water.
All of the above drugs are taken 30 minutes before meals.

Trays

Baths with infusions of medicinal plants have a good local anti-inflammatory effect. This method is not recommended for bleeding or infectious complications of hemorrhoids (paraproctitis, fistula, etc.). The following procedures may be performed:
1. Cold baths help relieve itching and burning in the anus. You can take such a water procedure for no more than 5 minutes a day and only in the absence of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
2. Warm baths with the addition of chamomile, sage, St. John’s wort, onion peel. The procedure is carried out in courses of 10 days.
3. Steam baths: a hot decoction of a medicinal plant is poured into a deep container (pot, pan). The patient is placed in such a position that the perineum and anus are above the steam. This bath can be used every day or every other day.
All procedures should not be too long. The optimal time is 5-10 minutes a day.

Lotions

Quite effective and simple lotion is even a cotton swab soaked in cold water. For this type of treatment, the following agents can be used:

• Decoction of strawberry leaves. This remedy can treat both external and internal hemorrhoids (in the case of the latter, a cotton swab with a decoction is carefully inserted into the anus).
• Beets or carrots, grated on a fine grater, wrapped in a bandage and applied to the site of inflammation.
• Rowan berries are crushed to a mushy state, and then wrapped in gauze and applied to the anus.
• You can lubricate prolapsed hemorrhoids with honey, propolis or celandine juice.

These products help relieve inflammation, heal wounds and stop bleeding.

Rectal suppositories

Candles for hemorrhoids can be prepared independently at home. To do this, the finished mixture of medicinal substances is poured into prepared forms (even a thick paper cone will do), and then cooled in the refrigerator and used for its intended purpose. The tools are based on the following components:
1. Salo with celandine. This combination has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
2. It is better to make honey candles from already well-candied honey. they keep their shape better. Such a tool can be cooled in the freezer to maintain the optimal consistency.
3. Butter and a tablet of mummy (mountain oil). This active ingredient has good anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antibacterial effects.
4. A thin slice of peeled potato tuber does not require special treatment and is inserted into the rectum for a period of the night.
5. In case of bleeding, frozen clear water can be used for rectal administration. Such suppositories are recommended to be used until the blood loss stops.
As a candle, you can also use a cotton swab lubricated with an active substance (lanolin, propolis, etc.), which is inserted into the rectum at night. Such suppositories relieve inflammation, stop bleeding and provide protection against microbes.

Microclysters

Microclysters are a solution at a comfortable (37-38 degrees) temperature, which is carefully and slowly introduced into the rectum in small portions using an enema. Diluted plant juices (beets, carrots), solutions of honey, propolis, decoctions of sage, celandine, chamomile, etc. are suitable for this method of treatment. Medicinal clay diluted in water has an enveloping effect and has a healing and soothing effect for small wounds and cracks. A contraindication to the use of microclysters is an exacerbation of hemorrhoids with bleeding from the nodes and an infectious process in the anus and perineum.

For all traditional therapies, it should be remembered that their use is possible only as an adjunct therapy to the main treatment prescribed by the attending physician. The described methods help to relieve or eliminate the symptoms of hemorrhoids in the early stages, but are useless in severe ones. Before using any drug, it is recommended to conduct a preliminary allergy test with a small amount of the drug applied to the skin to determine adverse reactions. You can use alternative methods of treating hemorrhoids only after a preliminary consultation with a doctor.

The material was prepared by
specialist of the medical center “URO-PRO”
Sugak Tatyana Vladimirovna,
proctologist, experience 12 years

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how to relieve inflammation and pain

Hemorrhoids is a disease in which there is a varicose expansion of the venous plexus of the rectum, which is often accompanied by periodic bleeding, feeling of a foreign body in the anus, fullness or incomplete emptying. As the process develops, the nodes may fall out, be infringed or thrombosed. The following types of disease are distinguished:

• Acute hemorrhoids that are clinically characterized by thrombosis or strangulation of the hemorrhoid with rapid onset of inflammation.
• Chronic hemorrhoids have four stages of course:
  a) In the first stage of the symptoms, only bleeding is present, which is manifested by the presence of an admixture of red blood in the stool during and after defecation.
  b) In the second stage, prolapse of hemorrhoids is observed, which can still be reduced independently. There is also a secretion of mucus that irritates the mucous membrane of the anus.
  c) In the third stage, the nodes that have fallen out do not reset themselves – the patient has to do it with his hands.
  d) On the fourth, the nodes are no longer reduced together with the anus mucosa. In this case, chronic inflammation is formed, there may be constant bleeding, stool incontinence. Manual reduction of such nodes is difficult and often ineffective, because. they fall out again within a short period of time.

Hemorrhoids are treated medically and surgically. The first option as an independent therapy is used in the early stages of the disease and during exacerbation of a chronic process to relieve pain and inflammation. Surgical manipulations are recommended at any stage outside the acute period of the disease.

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids

Drug treatment of hemorrhoids involves the appointment of drugs that reduce pain, inflammation, improve trophic processes in tissues. Such therapy is used by the patient independently at home, but as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician.
So, the task of treating hemorrhoids at home is:

• removal of the inflammatory reaction;
• pain relief;
• elimination of thrombosis;
• stop bleeding.

Let’s take a closer look at each task.

Elimination of the inflammatory process

To eliminate the symptoms of inflammation, systemically or locally acting drugs containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticosteroids are used. Of the systemic drugs, diclofenac and xefocam are more often prescribed. From local – aurobin containing steroids.

Pain management

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical analgesics are also used to relieve the pain of hemorrhoids. As a rule, they are combined preparations containing two or more active active ingredients. Of the NSAIDs, procto-glivenol, nigepan are indicated. In addition to anti-inflammatory activity, they normalize vascular tone, reduce the severity of congestion in the cavernous bodies of the anus. Drugs such as Emla and Katejel contain lidocaine, which acts much faster than NSAIDs. They are used for severe pain.

Elimination of thrombosis (thrombolysis)

Heparin has a pronounced thrombolytic effect, which is used for hemorrhoids in the form of ointments and gels as part of mono- and combined preparations. Combination preparations have proven themselves well, which, in addition to heparin, contain steroids, panthenol and lidocaine (polidocanol). They quickly stop the pain syndrome, lead to the regression of thrombosed nodes, have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Stop bleeding

Collagen and alginate hemostatic sponges impregnated with fibrinogen and thrombin, hemostasis factors involved in thrombus formation, are used to stop bleeding. Such sponges are introduced into the anus and, when dissolved, lead to the formation of a fibrin film on the surface of the node, blocking bleeding.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of hemorrhoids

From folk methods of treatment, cool sitz baths based on infusions of medicinal herbs can be useful. They can somewhat relieve pain, relieve itching and irritation, but you should not expect a serious and lasting effect from them. Baths are contraindicated in hemorrhoidal bleeding. Read more about folk remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids here.

Diet for hemorrhoids

The diet for hemorrhoids is rather directed not at the disease itself, but at the normalization of digestion. Its purpose is to eliminate constipation and diarrhea, which aggravate the course of hemorrhoids. In order to eliminate constipation, it is recommended to enrich the diet with foods rich in dietary fiber – vegetables, fruits, cereals. With a tendency to diarrhea, rice, cereals on the water, jelly, low-fat soups can be useful. In both cases, it is not recommended to take spicy, salty and fatty foods. Read more about nutrition for hemorrhoids here.

Physical activity and gymnastics

Gymnastics for hemorrhoids is aimed at normalizing the venous outflow from the cavernous plexuses and eliminating venous congestion in the small pelvis. Kegel exercises are highly effective, in which you need to alternately retract and relax the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the anus. Regular cardio loads are also useful: running, walking, swimming. It is strictly forbidden to lift heavy weights, cycling and equestrian sports are not recommended.

Currently, there are many effective home remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids.