Proctalgia Fugax
Proctalgia Fugax causes spasms in the anal sphincter muscles. Doctors diagnose it by taking a typical history and ruling out other causes of anal pain that need specific treatments. Usually, nothing triggers the pain – it just starts – but in some cases, it may relate to:
- Stress
- Sex
- Menstruation (periods)
- Having a bowel movement
Proctalgia fugax can develop as a complication after a procedure on your pelvic area. It often occurs following:
- Vaginal hysterectomy: This procedure removes your uterus through your vagina.
- Sclerotherapy for haemorrhoids: Involves injecting a chemical into the swollen veins around your anus to shrink them.
Its also associated with certain conditions. Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety disorders. The cause for proctalgia is poorly understood and treatment is aimed at removing any triggers and providing symptomatic treatment as required.
Treatment
Treatment options are primarily focused on relieving symptoms, as the episodes are self-limiting. Common approaches include:
Medications: Medications include muscle relaxants like diazepam to ease rectal spasms and topical anaesthetics such as lidocaine gel to numb the area and relieve pain. Calcium channel blockers or nitroglycerin ointment can also be used to relax smooth muscles and reduce spasm intensity.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle modifications include warm baths or heat application to ease discomfort and stress reduction techniques to prevent triggers. Increasing fibre intake can help avoid constipation, which may worsen symptoms. Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, can also strengthen and relax the muscles, reducing the frequency of spasms.
Other Interventions: Other interventions include Botox injections for severe cases and biofeedback therapy to help manage muscle control.