An NHS doctor has cautioned that a 'shooting pain' might indicate a more serious condition.
On TikTok, Dr. Karan Rangarajan, also known as Dr. Karan Rajan and @dr.karanr on the platform, emphasised that although it may initially seem humorous, it is actually not. He advises that if you experience this common symptom, you should consult your GP.
On his podcast, 'Dr. Karan Explores,' with gynecological surgeon Karen Tang, he says: "Stabbing pain in the buttocks. In the colorectal clinics I've conducted, there's been a rise in patients presenting with this stabbing pain in the buttocks, also known as lightning bum or shooty pain, medically termed proctalgia fugax.
"It seems like a funny thing when you see videos on it or when someone describes it. It's a sharp lightning type pain in your crotch or bum hole and it actually ruins the quality of life for a lot of people."
When asked if it's a frequent occurrence, particularly affecting women, the surgeon confirmed: "Definitely. It could indicate conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic floor spasms.
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"The term proctalgia fugax, which refers to spasms in the pelvic floor and rectal muscles, is not widely known. It's quite common and can be caused by serious medical issues.
"Rectal pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis and because women's pain has sometimes been so normalised, people have been kind of conditioned to 'oh I'm just going to not talk about this'."
She cautions against this silence, stressing: "It's something that people should bring up with their doctor."
According to patient.info, the cause is not exactly understood. They say: "It is believed to be due to spasms of the muscles of the anus. The muscles here are very strong, as these are the muscles you use to hold your poo in, or relax to let the poo out.
"Most of the time it is not obvious what has set it off. In some people, it starts after an operation - for example, an injection for piles, or after a hysterectomy. It seems to be more common in people who have IBS, and in people who have anxiety symptoms."
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