hemmroid/rectum discomfort

I am a 30 year old male, 155 lbs, 5 9. A few weeks ago, I started to feel like I wasn't finishing my bowel movements, also had feeling like there was a golf ball in my rectum. First thought I was getting a little constipated. It sort of made sense, my exercise level is down since its winter, and fiber level may be down a bit too. After a few days it dawned on me that it felt similar to a prostatitis flare up I had a few years ago. Went to my doctor, he did a digital rectal exam, looked for hemmroids.  Said he could see that I may have some external hemmroids, but they were not inflamed. Prostate felt ok, gave me 2 wks of Cipro to see if it helped. Day 4 of the Cipro I noticed less & less like there was something in my rectum. I still didn't feel like I was fully finishing bowel movements. I go everyday, just don't feel finished. I have been strainig a little and on Monday I noticed several hemmroids flared up after a bowel movement. I am using preparation H. Just seems like sometimes they throb. I don't feel like there is that golf ball sensation anymore, but I do feel like there is some throbbing/itching. I don't believe I have internal hemmroids. The area does seem swollen after a bowel movement, but I only feel external ones. I have about 4 more days of Cipro. It says to avoid caffinee, which i have done. I have never been off caffinee like this, could being off caffinee contribute to the incomplete bowel sensation/constipation? I have increased fiber, using prep H, increased water. I feel over the prostatitis flare up, but am overlooking another issue.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Prostatitis can be considered - especially if the symptoms are improving with the Cipro.  

However, I would further rule out any type of rectal mass.  A digital rectal exam is not a sensitive test for this.  You can consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy for a more definitive evaluation.  

Prostatitis can be further evaluated with a transrectal ultrasound, as well as a prostatic massage where the prostatic fluid can be sent off for analysis and culture.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[cdub377]

A related discussion, anal discomfort was started.