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Proctalgia Fugax
Proctalgia fugax causes sudden, intense rectal spasms that often strike at rest or during sleep. Although startling, these brief pains are harmless and manageable. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers personalized care and treatments for rapid, lasting relief.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Sudden spasms of the rectal or anal muscles
Stress or anxiety leading to pelvic muscle tightening
Irregular bowel habits—holding in stool or chronic constipation
Irritation or compression of pelvic nerves
Most often occurs in adults aged 30-60
Signs and Symptoms
Sharp, intense rectal pain that begins and ends abruptly
Attacks frequently occur at rest or wake you from sleep
No visible bleeding or injury in the anal area
Normal bowel movements and no pain between episodes
Absent systemic signs—no fever or unexplained weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Proctalgia Fugax?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Symptom Review & Medical History
He asks about the timing, duration and triggers of your rectal spasms, your bowel habits, stress levels, sleep disturbances and any prior pelvic or gastrointestinal issues.
Physical Examination
A gentle digital rectal exam evaluates muscle tone, checks for tenderness or palpable spasm, and rules out external causes such as fissures or hemorrhoids.
Diagnostic Procedures (if needed)
Anoscopy to directly visualize the anal canal and exclude other lesions
Transperineal or pelvic ultrasound/MRI to rule out abscesses, masses or structural abnormalities
Blood tests to screen for infection, inflammation or systemic conditions that might mimic pelvic pain
Specialized Functional Testing
When spasms are frequent or severe, pelvic floor manometry or biofeedback assessment helps measure muscle coordination and guides targeted therapy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for proctalgia fugax.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Take warm baths to relax the pelvic muscles
Do gentle stretches or yoga for your hips and lower back
Don't strain or hold in bowel movements
Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water
2. Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Topical muscle relaxants applied near the anus
Low-dose oral muscle relaxants for frequent or severe spasms
Rarely, Botox® injections to help reduce muscle spasms
3. Advanced and Minimally Invasive Procedures
Pelvic floor therapy to strengthen and relax muscles
Biofeedback training to ease tension in rectal muscles
Nerve block injections in select cases to calm pelvic nerves
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a proctalgia fugax attack?
Stress, tight muscles, or sudden movements often trigger a spasm.
Is this a sign of cancer?
No. Proctalgia fugax is not related to cancer. But if you have bleeding or weight loss, get checked.
How long do these spasms last?
Usually under one minute, but sometimes up to 20 minutes.
Can changing my diet help?
Yes. Fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated keep stools soft and muscles relaxed.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is very rare. Most people improve with simple care and lifestyle changes.
Should I worry about other conditions?
If you have bleeding, constant pain, or fever, you should get evaluated to rule out other issues.
