Is it normal to feel pain in the anus during menstruation? – GOOD SHAPE

Menstruation always comes with certain monthly annoyances for those who menstruate: Cramps, bloating, uncontrolled appetite, pimples and various symptoms that vary from person to person. But recently, videos went viral on tiktok where they talked about a “curious” nuisance during this period: an acute pain in the anus.

With many people identifying themselves (at least on the social network), decided to investigate: after all, is it normal to feel pain in the anus during menstruation?

WHY THIS PAIN DURING MENSTRUATION?

Just like everything else period-related, you can blame hormonal changes for any pain in your butt. If an egg is not fertilized, levels of hormones such as estrogen (which helps regulate menstruation) and progesterone (which helps prepare the uterus to receive and support the fertilized egg) decrease, resulting in the breakdown of the uterine lining and menstrual bleeding. , according to the University of California San Francisco.

And while these hormonal changes may seem like no big deal, they can cause some unpleasant side effects, including cramping, pain, and tenderness in your bowel, rectum, and anus.

So yes, hormonal changes are to blame again – this time, however, you can point the finger at prostaglandins, which are lipids and hormone-like substances released by the uterus during menstruation. They usually cause uterine contractions, causing the rectal and intestinal muscles to contract as well, causing mild pain.

WHEN THE PAIN IS INTENSE

Carla Iaconelli, a gynecologist specializing in human reproduction, says that this case is not normal. “This symptom is associated with damage to a part of the intestine called the rectum and cause it can be caused by endometriosis,” she explains.

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, tissue that lines the uterus internally, develops around the walls of the bowel, or in the ligaments, resulting in this more intense pain.

It is important that, as soon as you notice pain in simple everyday situations such as going to the bathroom, more intense cramps and pain in the region, a doctor is consulted to carry out tests that prove the possibility of some disease. “Tenesmus (painful bowel movement) can also be a symptom related to colorectal cancer. But the other causes related to anal pain are hemorrhoidal thrombosis, anal fistula, anal abscess and anal fissure”, warns Carla.

HOW TO AVOID PAIN

In most cases, the gynecologist Taís Calomeny gives a tip to ease the discomfort: the walk. “It helps keep the body active to reduce estrogen levels (a hormone that controls a woman’s menstrual cycle) in the body. In addition, a diet rich in omega-3s such as salmon, sardines or tuna, linseed or chia seeds, and oleaginous fruits such as chestnuts and peanuts, helps to naturally reduce the production of hormones that contribute to increased inflammation in the body”, ends.

The gynecologist specializing in endometriosis, Bruna Lima Silva Merlosays that, in cases of the condition, for pain relief, the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories or hormonal treatments (oral, injectable, hormonal implant, subdermal, intrauterine levonorgestrel devices) are permitted, provided they are prescribed by a professional of health.