Anal Discomfort: Origin, Remedies, and Further Insights
Pregnancy can bring about a myriad of physical changes, and one common issue that expectant mothers may experience is rectal pain. This article aims to explore the causes and potential solutions for this problem.
The most frequent causes of rectal pain during pregnancy are related to physiological and anatomical changes, as well as specific complications. Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the anal and lower rectal area, are one such cause. Pregnancy increases the risk of hemorrhoids due to increased pressure on these veins, hormonal changes leading to vein relaxation, and increased straining due to constipation.
Constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, also contributes to rectal pain. The hormone progesterone, which slows down intestinal motility, often leads to constipation. Hard stools and straining during bowel movements increase pressure on the rectal veins, exacerbating hemorrhoids and causing anal fissures or rectal pain.
Anal fissures, small tears in the lining of the anus, are another common issue. They are often caused by passing hard stools or straining, common in pregnant women due to constipation. Anal fissures cause significant pain and bleeding during defecation.
The growing uterus also puts pressure on abdominal and pelvic organs and veins, contributing to general pelvic and rectal discomfort.
Less commonly, serious pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy or blighted ovum can also cause rectal pain, but these are usually accompanied by other symptoms and require immediate medical attention.
After pregnancy, conditions such as rectal prolapse, rectocele following a hysterectomy, proctalgia fugax, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), stercoral colitis, anorectal cancer, and thrombosed external hemorrhoids can also cause rectal pain.
To manage rectal pain, general measures include taking a sitz bath, gently washing the area with lukewarm water, avoiding using irritating detergents or soap, wearing breathable cotton underwear and loose, comfortable clothing, sitting on a cushion or rubber ring to relieve pressure, taking over-the-counter pain medication, using a stool softener, eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of water, and taking any medications according to the prescribing doctor's instructions.
If rectal pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended. It's also crucial for individuals to seek medical advice if they experience 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, or if they engage in unprotected anal intercourse and experience symptoms.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hemorrhoids during pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/faq-20058144
[2] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Hemorrhoids during pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/
[3] NHS. (2021). Anal fissure. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ectopic pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20354293
[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Constipation. [online] Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation
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