People don’t talk enough about their buttholes! Thank god for TikTok and social media platforms that allow people to share their every fleeting thought. Now we can easily learn those alarming pains we thought were weird about us are actually a lot more normal than we thought.
TikToker @Jalykasmith shared a video on the platform of a less talked about pain while menstruating: Butthole cramps.
General surgeon and massive TikToker, Dr. Karan Rajan explained that anal cramping, aka proctalgia fugax, is something that rarely needs medical intervention. Here’s all of his interesting information about the issue:
Cramping that happens in your butthole while menstruating is painful and often feels like this:
@dr.karanr #stitch with @jalykasmith b00ty cramps on your “.” #womenshealth #period #menstruation #schoolwithdrkaran #learnontiktok
Dr. Rajan replied to her video and explained the pains we feel:
“During a period, hormones called prostaglandins are released, which causes the muscles of the uterus to contract and the lining of the uterine to shed, and causes pain and cramps,” Dr. Rajan said.
“The prostaglandins also cause a contraction of the rectum, the pelvic floor muscles, and muscles around the anal canal,” Dr. Rajan continued. “These intense contractions can cause a muscle spasm and anal cramps.”
When suggesting a remedy for cramps, Dr. Rajan said, “Proctalgia fugax can sometimes be eased with warm baths, which can help reduce muscle spasms, or avoiding prolonged sitting, which can [tighten] pelvic floor muscles and muscles around the anus. Generally, stretching and movement [should] help, but thankfully it’s usually a transient issue.”
The men in his audience admitted to having similar issues, to whom Dr. Rajan offered more advice. “Proctalgia fugax can affect men too for [similar reasons], so avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is advisable,” Dr. Rajan said. However, for men, he noted that it’s “important to [rule out] other causes of anal pain, like hemorrhoids, fissures, and ulcers.”
If you’re having any of these issues please talk to your doctor. Obviously, don’t count on Ruin My Week or Tiktok’s medical advice.
H/T: Buzzfeed