Proctalgia Fugax is a sudden spasm of the anal muscles that causes short, sharp pain in the rectum. Episodes appear out of nowhere, last from a few seconds up to two minutes, then disappear. Though alarming, these anal muscle spasms are not harmful or dangerous.
You may experience:
While the exact cause is unknown, several triggers can play a role:
If sudden rectal pain from Proctalgia Fugax is disrupting your life, don't wait to get the help you need. Contact GastroDoxs in Katy now to schedule your consultation. Our experienced gastroenterologists offer compassionate, personalized care and customized treatment plans designed to relieve your discomfort and restore your quality of life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Most often, sudden rectal pain is due to a brief spasm of the anal muscles, a condition known as Proctalgia Fugax.
Episodes typically last from a few seconds up to two minutes before resolving on their own.
No. Although the pain can be intense and alarming, Proctalgia Fugax is not harmful or dangerous.
Yes. Men and women experience Proctalgia Fugax at similar rates.
Some pregnant women notice more frequent episodes, likely due to hormonal changes affecting muscle tone.
Endometriosis may contribute to more frequent or severe rectal spasms in some women, although it's not the only cause.
Diagnosis is usually based on your description of symptoms and a simple physical exam to rule out other issues.
Make an appointment if your pain occurs often, wakes you at night, or significantly disrupts your daily life.
Warm sitz baths, gentle pelvic floor stretches, topical muscle-relaxing creams, and stress-relief techniques can all help reduce symptoms.
GastroDoxs is a gastroenterology clinic in Katy, Texas, specializing in digestive and rectal conditions, including Proctalgia Fugax.
