Rectal Discomfort: Insights on Hemorrhoids and Treatment

Hello, Dr. Chang. I have been to the clinic for an examination, and a finger palpation was performed?

I went to the clinic, and during the doctor's examination, I felt quite uncomfortable.
I know it sounds trivial, but I've heard some people say that a digital rectal exam can make you feel the urge to defecate.
For me, it was more of a feeling of pressure and discomfort, especially since the doctor was quite thorough and examined me from various angles.
After the examination, the doctor said there was nothing unusual found; I only have grade 2 hemorrhoids.
However, can grade 2 hemorrhoids really cause such a strong sensation of a foreign body? It feels like there is stool pressing against my rectum, which I haven't experienced before.
Could it be that my recent irregular work hours have caused the hemorrhoids to swell?
The doctor prescribed me M.G.O.
06 and Duspatalin, and advised me to take sitz baths.
Is it sufficient to use a regular basin for the sitz bath, or should I buy a specialized one? After taking the medication, the tight feeling in my rectum has diminished, but I'm not sure if it's still due to stool being stuck.
I read online that hemorrhoids can prevent stool from passing, but I often feel like I have to wait for a second wave after finishing the first part of my bowel movement.
After the second part, it seems like there's still a bit left, but it won't come out.
I didn't think much of it and just rinsed with water to ease the discomfort, but it seems like the sitz bath isn't helping much.
When sitting, I still feel like there's stool in my rectum, but when I go back to the toilet, nothing comes out.
When I check with my phone, I only see the hemorrhoids and nothing else (there is indeed a sensation of movement that feels like it's caused by the hemorrhoids).

If the sensation of residual stool is so strong, could it be that I'm close to grade 3 hemorrhoids? But the doctor said I only have grade 2 because they can retract.
Do hemorrhoids also affect the prostate? I feel like there is some interaction, and occasionally, I do pass small amounts of residual stool.
However, since I can't seem to squat effectively, I don't stay in the bathroom for long.
This sensation of residual stool is quite strange; I can only rely on abdominal discomfort to gauge it.
A few days ago, after taking the medication, I had a hard stool followed by a longer soft stool, and then two large, loose stools that felt like a whole day's worth.
After that, I felt movement in my right colon, but not much in the left, and I experienced some abdominal pain.
When I squatted in the bathroom, I passed a small amount of loose stool.
Could this situation be caused by the medication? But now, that feeling has subsided.

I forgot to mention that during my last attempt to defecate, I was straining too hard, and I felt a sudden sharp pain in my abdomen, near the chest area.
I immediately relaxed, but then I felt a tight pain in my chest, which returned to normal by the morning.
(I also have scoliosis.) I’ve experienced similar pain before when bending over too much, but it usually resolves after lying down and stretching for a bit.

Mr. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/09

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery

1.
The sensation of a foreign body caused by hemorrhoids is similar to the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, as if something is stuck at the anal opening.
However, this can vary from person to person depending on the condition, and your symptoms may also be due to a hemorrhoid flare-up.

2.
A regular basin can be used for sitz baths, but it is advisable to ensure that the entire pelvic area is submerged for better effectiveness.

3.
When hemorrhoids are more swollen, some individuals may experience a sensation of incomplete evacuation.
It is recommended not to strain excessively and to let it happen naturally.
Hemorrhoids do not affect the prostate.

4.
It may be caused by magnesium oxide (MgO), so increasing fluid and dietary fiber intake can help form more solid stools and promote regular bowel movements.

5.
Hemorrhoids or straining during bowel movements rarely cause chest pain.
If chest pain persists after hemorrhoid improvement, it is advisable to consult an internist or family medicine physician for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/09/09

More Info

Understanding rectal discomfort, particularly in the context of hemorrhoids, can be quite complex. Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, can cause a variety of symptoms, including discomfort, pain, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the rectal area. Your description of feeling a significant "foreign body" sensation or a feeling of stool being stuck in the rectum is not uncommon among individuals with hemorrhoids, even at a Grade II level.

Grade II hemorrhoids are characterized by prolapse during bowel movements, which means they can protrude outside the anal canal but typically retract on their own afterward. The discomfort you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors, including the size and position of the hemorrhoids, as well as any accompanying constipation or straining during bowel movements. The sensation of incomplete evacuation, or "residual stool," can also be exacerbated by hemorrhoids, as they can obstruct the passage of stool and create a feeling of fullness.

Your recent lifestyle changes, such as irregular work hours and potential dietary factors, may have contributed to the exacerbation of your hemorrhoids. Stress, lack of fiber in the diet, and dehydration can all lead to constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoidal symptoms. The medications prescribed to you, M.G.O. 06 and Duspatalin, are intended to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and may help with bowel regularity, but they can also have varying effects on bowel movements.

Regarding the sitz baths, they are indeed beneficial for soothing the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. While a regular basin can suffice, specialized sitz bath tubs are designed to provide comfort and ease of use. The warm water helps to relax the anal sphincter and can promote blood flow to the area, aiding in healing and reducing inflammation.

The sensation of needing to have a bowel movement after you have already evacuated can be frustrating. This can occur due to the presence of hemorrhoids, which may create a blockage or pressure sensation. It is essential to maintain a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and avoid straining during bowel movements to help alleviate these symptoms. If you find that your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be worth discussing further treatment options with your healthcare provider, including the possibility of more advanced interventions if necessary.

As for the potential connection between hemorrhoids and prostate health, while they are anatomically close, hemorrhoids do not directly affect the prostate. However, discomfort in the rectal area can sometimes be misinterpreted as prostate issues. If you have concerns about prostate health, it may be beneficial to discuss these with your physician.

In summary, while your Grade II hemorrhoids can certainly cause significant discomfort and the sensation of incomplete evacuation, it is essential to manage your symptoms through lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and possibly further evaluation if symptoms persist. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help ensure that your condition is monitored and managed effectively.

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