Shooting pain through vagina and anus

[johil72]

Wow. I read all of this thread and am really suprised that there is no answer from a medical person. My problem is similar.

About 8 years ago, I began having these horrible shooting pains from my lower abdomen down through the vaginal area and up through the anal area (feels like really painful constipation but all the way around my lower abdomen area). This only happened to me at the end of my period. I should mention I have been on birth control pills since 1994 (Ortho-Lo). I was complaining to a friend about my problem and told her that it only happens at the end of my period. Let me tell you, those two days following my period when I have this HORRIFIC pain, I cannot even get up and walk around the house, I have to sit on a heating pad to numb my lower abdominal/butt area. The pain makes me dizzy and I just feel intense pressure/shooting pains in the entire lower abd/vag/anal area. Anyway, my friend, who was a dancer/gymnast suggested that I talk to my OBGYN about taking the birth control pills straight through and skipping the placebo pills--get it? Just starting a new pack on the Sunday in which the placebo pills should start, therefore, skipping my period all-together. I tried it and it worked, no period-no pain (for me anyways). Last year when I went for my yearly, my OB and I talked about this pain associated with my period. Other than scheduling a vaginal ultrasound, he pretty much blew me off. Well, I had the vaginal ultrasound--they were looking for endometriosis--and found nothing. Since he said that taking the pill straight through worked and I was on a "lo" form of the pill that we'd keep doing that. I am 36 and do not want children so I am fine with being on the pill. But am I going to have to be on it forever?

I find it really interesting in many of the posts on this thread that the women who suffer from the same pain, many seem to get it around their period time as well. Mine comes specifically at the end. But just NOT having a period and taking the BC year-round has saved me. I know many people may not want to take the pill every daybut that's what worked for me and I just wanted to share that. You HAVE to get permission from your OB to do so, b/c he has to write a year-round BC prescription, which according to a friend of mine who is a pharmacist, is a lot more common than you'd think.

Best of luck to us all in finding peace with our bodies.

[GlowMommy]

I just wanted to add that I too have experienced all of these symptoms & continue to
It all began in 1999 -
so for 10 YEARS I have been a victim to this pain

The first symptoms were the Sharp Stabbing burning pain in my right side (sometimes in my left side)
Then months later I started experiencing the pain in my Vagina & sometimes my Anus - it was the SAME identical pain I I felt in my sides also another symptom I would experience is Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) I remember one year in particular that I got 9 UTI's on top of experiencing this Excruciating CHRONIC PAIN !!
I thought I was going to loose my mind

At first the pain was unbearable - I thought I was dying - so I did what most of you have done - I sought after medical help
I thought I was getting somewhere - The Dr. ordered to have an Endoscopy done- well the test results showed I did have ulcers (which I believe was a misdiagnosis cause NOW I get told that I DONT have ulcers & never did ) so WHY I would be having the same pain in my Vagina - needless to say my Insurance cancelled on me due to the Dr.'s ERROR and I went for years with out insurance & without hope

Now girls most of you are talking about PID's well get this - I learned the hard way that PID is code for " They dont know Sh*t"
Every time I went to the ER I was diagnosed as having a PID for YEARS and the Medications they would give me would ONLY make the PAIN WORSE - so I KNEW that it couldn't be a PID !!!!!
I finally started asking more questions & demanding information and found out that a PID is what ER doctors will diagnose a Female who has an UNIDENTIFIED female problem or illness - one ER doctor smarted off to me and told me that it wasn't his fault that I dont have Insurance and that he can only GUESS that its a PID & treat me for that because that is ALL he is equiped to do

So after seeing tons of ER doctors & physicians I had to pay hard earned CASH for who ran countless of Ultra-sounds , xrays , cathaders, miscellanious tests ( so many I cant remember them all)
NONE of them found anything - other than the closest I got to a diagnosis was ONE doctor who took me seriously told me he thought I had
Interstitial Cystitis - but I still have not received a proper diagnosis
and not all the symptoms match but most of them do


So for the last 6 years I have given up - I have just LIVED with the pain - I have grown into adapting a HIGH tolerance for it and learned tricks to deal with
Actually during my entire Pregnancy 3 years ago - I didn't experience ANY pain until after my daughter was born - then it returned - so I lived 9 months pain free - so That alone lets me know that SOMETHING can be done to eventually make it stop - but NO I'm not going to get pregnant & have another kid just to relieve the pain - LOL


Recently however I started experiencing a Different kind of symptom - I started having attacks that felt like my stomach was going to explode - I then learned that this was severe gas - or I was TOLD that that was all it was - turns out months later - I get ANOTHER ultra-sound and it seems my Gallbladder was completely diseased and full of gallstones - my Surgeon believed that this was the Culprit of my Chronic Pain all of these years - but after the Gallbladder has been removed I was NOT surprised to STILL be experiencing the PAIN and NOW its became STRONGER than ever - So now I have to go back to see my surgeon and start all over from scratch
So Now I'm back in the FIGHT to figuring this out
Still dont have insurance but I'm about to get it soon


NO this is NOT PERIOD related but being on your cycle can aggrivate it NO its NOT just GAS - GAS is a symptom - as well as frequent urination that accompany this PAIN
NO it is not just in ONE location - it can Move from the right side to the left side and to the Vagina & Anus - but for me it dominates in my Right side as I have met several women with this same complaint - this usually happens after you have had it for YEARS - as I have
NO you are not alone - as you can see tons of us have this


Now here are my Theories
1. its Gastro-intestinal & Vaginally related
2. Its MORE than one Illness/ Ailment  combined
3. Its possibly caused or atleast WORSENED by processed foods, especially Carbonated sodas - also Avoid coffee
I experience the WORST pain & the MOST Flares of pain whenever I slip up & drink a sodas - so DONT drink sodas & you will notice a huge decrease in the flairs - Try going a Year with only drinking Water and you will also notice a HUGE decrease in Flairs
4. Kegel excercises do help a great deal - I experience less flairs
5. Do not lay down while eating , seems to aggrivate it more
6. The more sleep you get the less it seems to happen
7. Dr's dont know Sh*t - so dont let them treat you like its all in your head - keep fighting for a Diagnosis - together - we will eventually figure this out - Dont give up like I did in the past
8. The less I THINK about it - the Less it seems to happen - I believe in mind over matter and that we have the ability as humans to heal ourselves especially when Doctors aren't even coming close to even helping us or even caring - I believe I will be Pain free one day

[Js_pain]

I have had these same pains in my abdomen and rectum since I was 14 years old. My doctors put me through all types of embarassing and painful procedures for 2 years to try and find the reason and after all of it my doctor told me I have Irratable bowel syndrome, which I believe is code for (I have no clue whats wrong with your butt, literally speaking). I am now 28 and experience the pain approximately twice a month, it is brought on by orgasm from sex or erotic dreams and also after I have a bowel movement. No other women in my family have had this particular problem, but we all do experience cysts on our ovaries. I only had the pain once during pregnancy. It was a nice break. The pain feels like it is in my rectum and spreads throughout my lower abdomen, up my spine and down my legs. I have often vomited and passed out from the intensity of the throbbing ache. Of course no medicine could work by the time it is over, I have a small dull ache for awhile but after about an hour I am completely recovered. I avoid sex and bowel movements for about a day or two because it will reoccur with further activity. I will be discussing the idea of Proctalgia Fugax with a doctor soon although they say there is no cure, it will be nice for us to have something to call this thing. Thank you to all of you women who had the guts to come write out something so personal. Maybe we all can sleep a little better soon when one of us has a real answer that we can share with our new friends.

[sharrabelle]

I also have this, infact I have it right now and it's driving me crazy.  My periods have juts finished and the pain is in my vagina and near my anus and I've also had it so bad it's travelled down my left leg and it feels like a throbbing pain!?  It actually worries me as I've only just started to get this, over the past couple of months.  I think I'll make an appointment with my Doctor to at least get a pap smear done, and take it from there!

[Marmak]

I have had a similar condition for years...Just an added symptom to this is when I drink a beer I have to go at least 10 times..
I get up during the night to urinate frequently so doctor put me on Ditropan XL this seems to help relieve that vagina pain a bit..
Everything I eat seems to have an effect on it..
chocolate coffee salad dressing and onions
Sure wish there was a diagnosis out there somewhere....

[Baggadonuts]

Research Proctalgia Fugax. It is a muscle spasm in the sling of muscle tissue that supports all of that framework down there. Pain can last momentarily or for quite a while 20-45 min. For some the spasm switches from one side to the other or migrates until the spasm has ended. Sometimes it is a tight locking of the tissue followed by spasms as it starts to subside. I find that I sometimes feel tired after a spasm or in a bad one, feel sore for a day or so. It is excruciating and has no cure although there is some testing with the same sort of drugs that treat asthma patients.
Sometimes certain foods, caffeine, nicotine can trigger it. A lack of sleep and situations where you sweat a lot can trigger it so keep up with potassium. (add banana's to your diet) I got this at about the age of 13... now 45 no cure. Just have to cope. Relaxation techniques. breathing techniques help when in the throws of the pain. When the pain ends, you resume like nothing ever happened. Were you to take medicine, the "cramp" would be gone before the medicine takes effect. Sometimes it is confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome especially if the doctor has never encountered Proctalgia Fugax but the difference is that in I.B.S.sufferers most suffer severe diarrhea. It may even be related to IBS I'm not certain but I never had those episodes of diarrhea that I.B.S. patients had. This may be an event that takes place in the brain or in the nervous system so no physical defect would be found in the actual tissue where the pain manifests itself. In other words, it may be an "electrical" in the same manner that a seizure takes place in the brain but the muscles are affected or it may be an event somewhere else in the central nervous system resulting in the spasm. Research Proctalgia Fugax it is different than I.B.S. You may find the answers to your questions and other sufferers of this painful condition. Hope this helps.... I feel your pain!!

[floramarg]

Hi, I am on day two of my period and have this sharp shooting pain up my anus worse usually around the first day or two, along with bad period cramps.  I have actually fainted because of this pain before.  It usually preceeds the feeling of needing to pass wind or a stool.  sometimes I can't pass stools because i get this really sharp pain so i try to hold it in for a day or two until i know it's 'safe' to go to the toilet properly!  don't really know what the cause is or how to stop it but it is definitely only on the first couple of days of my period and related to the feeling of needing to open my bowels????????

[braeNbreysMOMMY]

i have something similar to what your having. BUT when i need to go... POOP.. tmi sorry. i start getting this SHARP knifelike stabbing pain either in my vagina or rectum.. not sure which one. it sometimes feels like its in my bladder. its just all over down there.. but once i go to the bathroom.. its gone. it hurts so bad i just grab whatever i can and clinch down and almost cry. i recently had a baby (end of may) and i had my 6week check up on the 7th of this month and i told my doctor about it and he did a papsmear and checked out my rectum and didnt see anything other than my uterus being tilted back some. he said if it keeps on we are going to have to "investigate." it started probably when i was around 34weeks pregnant and has not stopped yet.

[laceylucy3]

I had pain like that- mine turned out to be gas! I use miralax and it helps. That way I keep it all moving so gas doesnt build up and it doesnt cause gas like fiber does. I know you will think no way but you should try it. It may be gas for some of you. I didnt believe it at first because it was so painful and not at all gas like, but that was it. Glowmommy- dont go to ER doctors for anything but lacerations, broken bones or chest pains. That is what they are there for and trained for. Chronic type pain should be adressed with a Dr that you can see regularly so they dont keep doing the same tests over and over. Family doctors are also a lot cheaper then an ER visit.
T

[Nophster]

Today i was sat in the car and i all of a sudden had the same stabbing pain, i have been very worried all day until i read this. I have recently been going through a lot of fertility tests as i have suffered with recurrent misscairiage and i have PSOS... I have had this pain before but not as bad as today.... i have also had this apin whilst having a miscariage and also in the first few days of my period.... but it all feels like its in my muscles and so painful!!! i don't want to have to go to the doctors again because they're useless with things like this!!

[Dimps66]

i was searching for a diagnosis and found this forum ...boy am i relieved to find it might not be as bad as i imagined !!!!!!
i got a sudden onset of very low abdominal pain that radiated into my vagina then my rectum....i was out shopping by myself at the time....i began to feel nauseous,  cold and shivery.  Instinct made me just forget about shopping and go home...where i felt safe...but really scared...i have never felt pain like it!!! God knows how I managed to drive !!    
I am not due my period for two weeks so....??
I took some painkillers and lay down on the sofa for about 4 hours.  the pain got worse when i tried to stand...i thought maybe i had gas  or needed to poo so tried to go to the toilet. On passing urine i had to hold in my rectal muscles because to relax totally caused excruciating pain.  I have a chesty cough and coughing makes the pain in rectum worse.  
As the day has progressed, the abdominal and vaginal pain has  subsided ,  but the rectal pain is still there...I plan to have  ahot bath , more painkillers and try to relax ...hopefully it will be better by morning :-)

[Caughtyacheetin]

I have this problem too. Usually during my period, I get a sharp pain in my anus then I bleed heavily like a gush. It's odd. The gush of blood is coming from my period. Not from my butt. It's really annoying, it's a spasmic pain. I have talked to my other girl friends about this, and some of them say they have the same pain around or during their period.

I am thinking it's a muscle that lays someplace between the anus and the vaginal canal. This muscle spasms or contracts to help empty your uterus of the sloughing that is taking place. That is the only thing I can attribute it to.

I plan on discussing it with my OB GYN on my next appointment in September. If I find something out, I will post it here.

[furkids]

Very interesting indeed!!  After googling my symptoms last night, I was relieved to read that what I have been experiencing for a couple of months wasn't unique, it wasn't quite so scary.  Today after a pelvic ulstrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound the report has come back as "bulky uterus, suggestive of adenomyosis".  I have just read up on adeno and I think I have found my issue.  There is no medication to fix it, a hysterectomy is required which will get rid of the pain.  As with most people the pain comes and goes, so I am confident I can tolerate it until the time that a hyster seems inevitable.  I am 39 and don't want children, hope this info helps some ;-)

[APRIL123456]

I hate to be the deliverer of bad news, but I am 38 and have been experiencing the same symptoms for the past several years.  Sharp stabbing pains in my Vaginal, anal and left lower abdomen.    I've been to several doctors, ER's and  had many tests run, still nothing.   This past year Feb 09 i did as you suggested and had a hysterectomy hoping this would be an end to my pain.   It didn't.  I am currently experiencing the pain. The pain was so bad i could not sleep last night and i currently feel as if I am going to pass out.  I too decided to do research on the internet in refernce and found you all.   So thanks to everyones comments, i now know i'm not going crazy.....

[kyrab001989]

well i have been experiencing this sharp pain through my vagina and anus for quite some time now and im only 19 and the pain is so unbearable and ive been 2 the doctor plenty of times 2 have ultra sounds done and and other test ran 2 figure out the problem but no one seems 2 know but one doctor said i might have endometriosis and she said if get on birth control it should lessen the pain. but my thing is i only 19 and i shouldnt be going through this and i dont wanna be on birth control 4 the rest of my life because eventually i wanna have a child one and  i dont want this intense pain 2 interfere with me not havin one
also at one point of time the pain only came during my period. well now it happens when im not on my period. i just wish someone could find a cure because this is a serious matter

[cornelia46]

I have had this too and it ended up being painful ovulation. It typically happens in the middle of the cycle during ovulation. The doctor told me to take Ibuprofen and within an hour, the pain is gone. Hope this helps

[darkpoptoy]

I have the same exact sharp pain in my entire vaginal/rectum area sometimes up to the small of my back, it always happens during my period especially when I am about to have, am having, and sometimes after I have a bowel movement. But it occasionally just happens on it's own. I can't sit down or even hardly move while it's happening and nothing I do helps it to go away. My gyno just said it was cramps or that I was passing a large clot but I'm a little worried because endometriosis runs in my family...

[chitowngirl381]

If you are a woman - you and I have the same problems and found out that I have Fibroids.  Heavy bleeding, painful cramps, shooting pain through the vagina and anus, everything.  Please see your ob gyn if you have these symptons, I did not know that I had them and when I did still tried to change the diet and herbal medication for 4-5 years and it was on and off.  I am not scheduling myself for surgery for UFE - Uterine Fibroids Embolization.

[furkids]

Reporting back again.  I had an appt with a Naturopathic Fertility Specialist, who states that one of the causes of Adenomyosis (aka bulky uterus - which is causing the pain) is oestrogen excess.  What causes that - mostly the pill.  She is confident that being off the pill will eliminate the pain - maybe my uterus will return to normal.  Anyway, I have to manage my contraception naturally by monitoring cycle, but hey ho, absolutely no increase of artificial hormones into my body, no need for radical hystericalectomy at my age AND instant weight loss as I'm coming off the pill.  Good result all round.  Would have to say ladies, ditch the "medical profession" and go back to the medicine that has been around since time began.  See a naturopath.

[froggyi]

I recently started experiencing sharp pains in my vaginal and rectal area.  Today, its a dull lower abdomen/vaginal pain.  I had a total hysterectomy 18 years ago.  I also remember having these pains when I was very young, around age 12.  Sometimes it feels as if someone has shoved a stick up my vagina and I can't move for awhile.

I'm wondering why have the pains come back.  I will go to the doctor and explain the symtoms and see whaat diagnosis I get.  I was really scared until I read these posts - thinking that it could really be something serious.

[23sara23]

i was just researching to see if i can find anything.. bc i have having the same type of pain.. but to be honest i read some of the comments here and someone esaid it is gas... and honestly i really think it might be.. this is how it feels to me... gas is stuck in a compartement that it shouldnt be in... so i feel sharp pain coming and goign on my vagina... and it feel slike gas is stuck and its trying to get out... at least i hope thats what it is. im 26.. and i hope its nothing serious but im trying to see if it happnes when i eat anything in particular...
let me know what u think

[MarlaDawn]

I had an amazing experience yesterday with the whole pain , pressure and spasms.  My naturopath suggested I go on a liquid magnesium supplement and a liquid calcium because I'm a vegetarian and don't eat dairy either as welll as being in my 50's.  She felt that it would help with the firing sequence for my heart as I'm having alot of arythmia and to help strengthen my bones.  I took the two supplements together last night and within 2 hours the anal/vaginal pain had disapearred!! No pressure either. I got up this morning and right now I'm pain free.  I don't have a lot of days pain free anymore so I'm just wondering and hoping this will be a lasting thing. Wouldn't it be amazing if it does....

[salty007]

Today i suddenly began to get cramp like pains, so i figured i had just started my period even though im not due for another week. After going to the toilet i found i wasnt having my period yet the cramps continued. I have never really had serious cramps beefore and i am generally fine without any medication but these cramps were worse than anything i have gotten before. After 3 or 4 hours i could distract myself from the pain until i stood up and the pain was 10 times worse. I had a long walk ahead of me and the pain continued that i felt dizzy and i had an aching feeling in my anus/vaginal areas. After taking some panadol the cramps have stopped but i still have the dull ache which becomes slightly painful when going to the toilet. I think it might be food poisoning or something because i had experienced the cramping pains once before after eating an unripe banana but never the aching.
Hopefully it will be gone by morning

[bexsta1989]

Hi, i have just read these comments, and it sounds a lot like what I get, especially the comment that 'floramarg' made. I have had these pains in my anus, it feels like a stabbing pain, usually when needing to pass wind or go to the toilet for either a number 1 or 2. i've had these pains for about 2 years now. are any of you on the pill? i am on microgynen 30, and i'm not sure if it is related, but i have only been experiencing these pains since i started on the pill.

can anyone help with this? thanks

[bexsta1989]

i also only get these pains when i am on my period, usually the first three days.

[T368]

i started getting these pains a few months ago, and i've been able to deal with it, but last night it got so bad i woke up crying because it wouldn't stop it went on for about and hour, the pain would last for a few seconds then go away, then come back again. it feels like its in my vaginal area, but then sometimes it feels like it's in my anus. Extremely painful. My husband and i are trying to have a baby, and i know i should go in, but i'm scared what my gyno is going to tell, or not tell me, and just think i'm making this up.

[bexsta1989]

Hi, i think that if it is causing you that much trouble that you can't sleep, you should see a Doctor or something, just to put your mind at rest. I should go really, I've had it about 2 years now, but i'm just too embarassed to go and see a Doctor. Reading all these comments has helped though cuz it has made me realise im not on my own!! Is it a constant pain you are getting all the time? I only get it in the first few days of my period and then it goes away.

Bexsta1989

[Kiama_rose]

I have had these vaginal and anus pains before but never to a degree that has caused worry until today. I fell over screaming unable to move in any direction for at least 10mins (but felt like an hour) when I could get up I found myself having to cling to things to avoid having to use my muscles. Thinking it was something to do with bowel movements (despite having not long been for 1 and 2) I shuffled to the toilet and tried to sit down no luck I ended up screaming again. The pains Dimps66 mentioned are what I feel, during ovulation, sharp stabbing pains like a knife being stabbed into my vaginal and anus but then also pains that shoot inside like lightning up and down from anus to lower back. It has taken me 3 hours to be able to sit down, I thank everyone for sharing and giving advice I am gonna reasearch a bit before I go see doctor to make sure he doesn't fob me off. Had someone handed me a gun when it happened today I don't think I'd have hesitated. Hope all get sorted soon xx

[Question_Please]

What did your doctor say?

I just came back from my doctor and reported the same/similar concerns:
-ache which started in my upper left labia on the first day of my period and continues to today (three days after my period ended) but seems to have travelled down to my lower left labia
-ache/numb feeling in my butt - in behind my anus opening and radiating in a circle about six inches in diameter
-ache down the back of my legs concentrating in my rear thigh muscle and travelling as far as my calf and foot sometimes

She thinks it might be herpes. I had a test ten days after my last sexual partner and it was negative but she wants another one four weeks after that. However she said that the one thing which mitigates against it being herpes is that on days when I really move around and don't sit still, it seems to lessen and almost go away. She said that didn't sound like an irritated nerve ending (which is what she described herpes as) because if it was irritated it would always be irritated regardless of activity level.

Obviously I'm hoping that is not what it is, or if it is that it is HSV1 so that the chances of recurrence in the genital area are low - but wondering if you, and other people on here, have had your doctor rule that out?

[ydream]

I was just reading over all the comments and I am glad to other women have this problem. I thought I was going crazy. Furkids, I read your comment about oestrogen excess due to the pill. I don't believe that will correct the problem for everyone. I having been having this pain for 6 years and I have not been on birth control for 7 years.  I pain does not coincide with my period but I just get the pain sporadically. Which poses an issue when I am in public writhing in pain(it makes for a very interesting site) trying to limp out of the store.

If anyone has any luck with a diagnosis/solution keep us posted.

[North_Shore]

G'day Ladies,
Just viewing your comments from Down Under. It seems that I too, experience many of the same symptoms that you all write about. There are a few small differences though.
I have never taken birth control pills and never experienced the severe pain I get now prior to giving birth my two children (the last of which was born 6 years ago). Both children were born via caesarean section and I also have a retroverted uterus (which means my uterus is tipped backwards towards my rectum instead of tipping forward towards my abdomen). This is common in about 1/4 of all women.
I also have adhesions due to the caesarean operations which, combined with the retroverted uterus, do not allow my uterus to properly contract during menstruation allowing blood to be expelled through my vagina.
I have been to several specialist doctors and all have recommended the removal of my uterus as the best course of treatment. I am not planning on having more children and am looking for a much better quality of life. These 'stabbing' pains are so intense at times that I feel like vomitting. I cannot get up out of bed some days. I have two beautiful little girls that need me and I want to be there for them in every way, every day. Fingers crossed that this actually works!

[wevea]

I finally sat down at the computer yesterday to do some research on just this subject.  I'm surprised to find I'm not the only one who is going through this. Mine started after I had my hemorrhoids injected.  After surgery I had a thrombus (blood clot) hemorrhoid at the injection site lasting for 4 weeks.  Started with rectal pain and as the months went by the pain increased to vaginal and urethral/bladder pain. This happens every time I have my period. Usually starting on day 2 and lasting for up to 3-4 weeks. Therefore ready for the next period.  Don't seem to get much pain free time before it starts all over again. When my pain is at it's worse I can't even empty my bladder. I have to wait until the pain lessens so that I can empty the bladder even then I sometime have to make 2 or 3 trips to the bathroom before I feel like I've gone.  I also feel like I can't even pass gas, that to seems to painful.  Eating pain killers like there going out of style is not how I want to live my life.
During the follow-up with the Dr I told him about this pain and that was so severe that I now understood why people kill themselves over pain. He told me I was a waist of his time. I will not go back there ever again!  therefore suffering now for 4 years. I have now consulted an OB-GYN and she has suggested a hysterectomy.  I have no children and will never, so that seemed like a good idea.  Reading your comments now I'm not so sure that, that would solve the problem.

[dorito549]

I have the same issue - a sharp unbearable pain in my anus area during my period. I've had this problem for about 9 years. It began before I ever used birth control, during the span of about a year that I was on Birth Control, and after. I don't think it has anything to do with birth control. I've never talked to my doctor about it because I am embarrassed and part of me believes that he won't know how to help me. I don't want to be put through lots of tests and be misdiagnosed. I know my body well enough to describe exactly what I think is happening - toward the middle of my period I get very bloated and everything in that region feels swollen. When I have gas, even just a little, there is too much pressure to just pass it easily. Pushing makes it worse. So I go through a series of these "spasms" before it gets out. Anything that causes more gas should be avoided - like soda/carbonated drinks. I also think caffeine has something to do w/ it. It is so hard to deal with this because no one around you understands. I have to go to a bathroom or some place private until it stops just because the pain paralyzes me for a moment with each spasm. I usually have to hold something or grit my teeth to transfer the pain, or I think I might scream or pass out. I wish there was something for this pain, because every month I dread it.

[duke94]

I am 14 and I too experience these symptoms. I started my period when I was almost 11 and the pain started shortly after. It first started with pain in my low right side and low pelvis (below where my bladder would be) I've had my appendics removed, 2 exploratory surgeries, colonsocopy, nuclear med tests, at least 2 dozen CTs, 7 vaginal ultrasounds, 12 abdominal ultrasounds, upper bowl GI scope, urinary analysis, nerve blocks, epidurals in my stomach, etc..the list goes on, and the only thing they found was I had endometriosis scarring.
    I had been on Lupron for 6 months prior to surgery, therefore my endometriosis was dead. I have to take birth control forever to stop the endometriosis from worsening and I'm not supposed to EVER have a period.
    But lately, I have been experiencing pain in my vagina (for about a year) and it feels like someome is shoving a butcher knife up it and turning it around. (sorry to be graphic) This pain in turn causes my side and pelvis to hurt more,,so it's like one big continuing cycle. I tend to hurt worse when I'm about to start, on, or after my period, but the pain never goes away.
   It has effected my life, I can hardly hang out with friends or play sports because I'm always in pain. I'm ony 14 and it's hard not to be a teenager.
   Anyways, when I read this I realized that I have the same symptoms, and I researched some more, and Endometrial hyperplasia and Adenomyosis can both be linked to endometriosis and I have many of the same symptoms. I am just afraid to undergo a hyster. because I want to have kids 20 years from now.
   Anyways, I'm going to the OB/GYN tomorrow and getting a pap smear and pelvic exam. That's the only thing I haven't had done, and supposedly it's the only way to determine if I have one of the above diseases.
   Let me know if you have any suggestions. I'll let you know what OB/GYN says.

[duke94]

okay, so I went to the OB/GYN and she did a pelvic exam. she discovered that my uterus is the cause of all of my pain. she believes I have endometriosis AND adnomeosis. I have to go to a special doctor and have a pre-sacral neurectomy done. This is where the nerves are destroyed that connect the uterus to the brain. So even though I will still have the disease, I (in theory) will not have the pain. The only other option is a hyster. and at 14, I don't think that's a wise choice. But aparrently, a pre-sacral neurectomy is risky, only few doctors do it in the nation, it's very uncommon, and requires a true specialist.
She also reccommended that in the mean time while I'm waiting for my surgery to be schedued, that I attend pelvic floor physical thearapy. An uncommon thearapy that helps the vagina, uterus, ovaries, etc. (only 1 of these docs in my state).
Hope this helps some of y'all.

[Dab3]

I started having this pain my girlie part today and anus. So severe and burns like fire. I am pregnant and my doctor prescribed the Cephaine antibiotics last week for a swollen leg. Could the drug be the cause of this sharp pains?

[Jodi_Angela]

I've had some problems like the ones described here, though I almost cried hearing how bad some of you actually have it. I looked up a number of different possible causes.
One that I found interesting was endometriosis, which is the dispersing of endometrial lining tissue outside of the uterus. It can grow on other organs, between the anal and vaginal wall, and many other places. When a period occurs, the lining that is outside of the uterus (on other organs, etc) is shed as well, causing internal bleeding and severe pain. Research has shown that one of the causes of endometriosis is the consumption or contact with a common chemical called "dioxin." It's found in many of the things we eat, its used by manufacturing companies in products like pesticide and paper, and its even created during forest fires. 79% of monkeys tested in an experiment were found to have contracted endometriosis from being exposed to dioxin, and their symptoms grew worse with further exposure.  Look it up.
Something to think about. Over 5 million women in North America alone have endometriosis, sometimes symptoms aren't severe at all. Who knows. That could be it. It would explain the pain shifting around, and also how it seems to be situated around the uterus/vagina and connected to the menstrual cycle.

[mia1984]

I'm glad that I am not alone. I am 24 years old and I have had this pain for the past three days. I am also experiencing very heavy bleeding, passing painful blood clots, and alot of vaginal/anus pain. I don't know what to do. I don't have a doctor nor do I have insurance. I don't have any children and I have never been on birth control. I don't take any kind of medication. I don't even take tylenol or anything like that. One thing that I have bought recently is some vitamins, but thats about it. The feeling is definitely like passing painful gas and it just sits there and I finally pass a little gas but it still remains.It feels as if something needs to come out but it won't.I was going to go the ER today, but I know how unhelpful they can be. I am going to do my best to find a doctor. I don't drink soda and I rarely drink juice. I love juice, but I mostly drink water. It has been over a year since I have drank soda.

[WANDA218]

Has anyone found a reason for the pain of pressure in vaginal area and rectum. I just started this about 3 weekes ago and am scared to death. The pain never goes away and gets increasingly worse at time. The pain is bad tonite and I can not sleep. Seems recently I am beginning to think it has something to do with bladder or kidneys. Had catscan and bloodwork done and there is no blockage and bloodwork was normal. has anyone else found any reason for this pain. Started on the left side of rectum, thought it was a hemmoroid , had dr. check area said nothing was protruding or visible. I have no insurance and the visit to the er was over $6,0000 I am at my wits end and am afraid I may die from this. I had a hysterectomy 20 yrs agO so I know its not cervix or ovaries. but am confounded as to what it is.
CAN ANYONE HELP?

[Moo_LA]

I have experenced the same pain, but only one time. Me and my boyfriend had sex last night and when we were done the pain started. My vagina, anus, and lower righ side of my abdomial (abdominal). It was soo Intense...Nothing like gas pains or constipation. I never had this pain before????

[duke94]

Go to your OB/GYN and have her do a pelvic exam. There are many women related diseases that can cause this pain; endometriosos, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, etc.. also a vaginal ultrasound may detect something

[TEMEKO1]

HELLO EVERYONE,
I NOTICED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR THAT I HAVE HAD THESE PAINS ALSO. ON YESTERDAY, I HAD A CLEAR THICK SECRETION AFTER I URINATED AND MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT I WAS OVULATING. ON TONIGHT, I HAD THE SAME PAINS SHOOTING FROM MY VAGINA TO MY ANUS AND I FELT LIKE I WAS ABOUT TO PASS OUT ALSO. I TOTALLY AGREE WITH CORNELIA BECAUSE MY MOTHER TOLD ME TO TAKE 2 IBUPROFEN 200MG BECAUSE THIS PAIN WAS A SIGN OF OVULATION. I TOOK THE IBUPROFEN AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES THE PAIN SUBSIDED. I HOPE THIS HELPS EVERYONE.  HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

[WANDA218]

having another bad night with this same problem. pectal pain . not stabbing pain just constant pain. vaginal area is also involved. yesterday had excessive gas so bad all day and today have none. strange am also feeling weak tonite. waitinf for my insurance to kick in and will go to dr. can't stand this much longer.
are there no medical people in this site to help answer any of these symptoms?

[Arlene48]

I have experience these symptoms for several years now....sharp pain in the vaginal and anal area and sometimes abdominal cramps and discomfort on either my right or left side. The symptoms come on at no particular time and the occurances have increased over 2 years. They have even woke me from a dead sleep. It sounds funny, but the rush you get during sexual arousal in the viginal area is how it feels in my anal area and I have to get up and have a bowel movement. My lower abdomen feels sore after the pains have subsided. I have told my doctor when I go in to see him for my yearly women checkup and he does the routine vaginal and anal exam but doesn't say anything. Am going back in this week and I'm not taking NO for an answer!

[Crazydoglady]

I started having this pain about 7 years ago.  It came on after I had been on a diet for about a year.  I lost 45 pounds, however, I drank Diet Mt. Dew, 3 to 4 times a day, and I never drank diet sodas before.   I also did not eat a lot of fiber or drink much water.  
After going to my family doctor for numerous visits and getting diagnosed with bladder infections, which I have Never had, I was frustrated.  
The Veternarian I work for told me it sounded like Interstitial Cystitis, a condition in female cats.   I looked up the symptoms and found I had all of them.  Finally, after 5 more visits, The Female physician at the practice saw me and mentioned that this could be Interstitial Cystitis.    I have been on Elmiron for 4 years.   It seems to help, but, after reading the posts that so many of you have the same pain, I am wondering if this is what I have.  
Mine started sporatic, but was at least 15 to 20 days per month and it does get worse around the menstrual cycle.    Now that I am older and skipping periods, the pain still comes around the time the cycle should be, but there is no bleeding, just the pain (Lucky Me).  
I have been trying to eat more natural fiber and drink more water.   I also take 2 to 4 Fiber Capsules per day.   I hope someone out there gets a definative answer.   It is another "Mystery Disease", but I am tired of being put off, especially by male doctors, because they think I am week or it is in my head.  How annoying.  

[mikomandi3]

i have similar symptoms. After having an orgasm and getting up quickly, i experienced sharp lower abdominal pains that travel to my rectum as well. It is difficult to stand up or move. I have been on the pill the low dose ones, for just 5 days and this is the first time i experienced this pain, im not sure but maybe the pain and the pill could be related.

[moosh121169]

hi every1  just been readn ur notes on here i believe some of u r suffering from helicobator pylori  its itssss a bug that a bacteria that lives in ur stomach have had  alot of ur same symtoms  & just been recently diagnosed 4 it  ask gp  4 test  hope i help some 1 gl all

[krysta1234]

hi everyone,
I too have the same problem but had two prior l5s1 back surgeries and i am now hearing that it could be fugax protalgia or from prior back surgeries and scar tissue hitting those nerves that go through the anal area. I only get the anal spasms and they come on from nowhere if it happened out of my house i would be mortified it feels like a pain that rolls in like labor pain and alot of pressure out of anus like when in labor u need to push. I only get them about 1-2 times a month that is enough they last approx 30 -45 min long and lamaze breathing helps 4 whatever reason the other thing that helps is sitting on the floor or a hard surface especially when I feel like i am gonna bottom out...It is terrible when Dr's tell u they really can't pinpoint what it is when it first started 4 me I thought I was dying and my husband now knows when I am having an attack bcause all he hears is heavy breathing and oh jesus please... really not funny but have to look at the bright side Iguess those nerves in anal area also pass through vaginal area every1's makeup is different though..It literally is a pain in the a...... Good luck to our tushies like women don't have to endure enough ****..

[Jaz_Kaur]

Hi.

I am 20 years old and I have been suffering from severe period pain since the age of 14. I have seen the doc many a time but they are just passing it of as my age. I got a severe pain in my vagina two days ago and went into A&E [ER in the states] with the pain. I am a virgin and was examined by a lady doctor who seems to be putting the pain down to endometrioisis. Im not even sure what this condition is or whether it will lead it infertility? I am waiting for a appointment from gynaecology.. I hope its nothing too serious. I suffer from panic disorder and this is just all making my disorder a lot more difficult to deal with.

Girls, what could this **** we're experiencing be?

[sydtx89]

It isn't anything too serious, I asked my gyno about it and he said it happens to a lot of people, even men and it isn't anything serious. He says if the pain is too extreme people usually take muscle relaxers for it and it works.

[cece56]

Amazed to find this forum.  This has really answered some of my concerns, as I haven't been to my doctor as I know they will not take me seriously. Yet again woken by extreme pain in around the anus and uterus area. Can never tell which organ it's actually coming from. Try to go to the toilet hoping it's gas, but the pain of sitting, let alone having a movement is eye watering.  All this happens when due to have or starting a period, not every period, maybe 3 or 4 times a year. I also noticed this pain when I tried to use a menstrual 'moon cup' device during my period, which I had used previously without problem, but now find I am unable to use without causing the same pain once inserted.

[dolma13]

I have been having a pain in my rectum and lower tummy area for about 4 hours and i decided to check out on the net. I found this forum and it kind of helps! I have PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) and i am overweight. I am taking diet pills to try and cure this from my doctor which are called xenical orlistat. I have drastically changed my diet and I'm wondering whether these pains are from the funny discharge and poo i have been having. The pain comes and goes but when it comes it comes! haha! it's so bad i started talking to myself. I hope it doesn't last much longer. I'm just wondering whether it is from the food i am eating? from the medication?? Anyone got any ideas??

[domer99]

I am a male who has been following this thread for some time now.  I originally posted in September of '07.  I still have the pain intermittently.

I am beginning to suspect dieting as contributing to this pain.  When I put myself on a diet, and I'm consuming less calories and sodium, my body puts out a lot of water.  I also try to increase my water intake while dieting so as to flush out my body.  I think it's safe to say that while dieting, and restricting certain foods (also while urinating a lot more), my body is lacking in certain vitamins & minerals that it eliminates with my increased water intake a urination.  I try to supplement with vitamins, etc., but absorption of those pills is generally poor at best.

I've noticed an increase of the pains while dieting for an extended period (maybe 3+ weeks).  My theory is that since my body is potentially lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, I'm more prone to cramping/muscle spasm.  Couple this with stress (which affects muscle contraction, etc.), and it could be the perfect storm for this horrible pain.

I've been supplementing calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and potassium for the last 3 months, and have noticed a drastic reduction in episodes of the pain.  I've had maybe 1 or 2 mild (lasting roughly 1-3 seconds) occurrences during this time.

I'm curious if anyone else can draw similar parallels?  You don't have to be dieting to be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, as it's an unfortunate reality with the modern diet.

Thoughts?

Good luck everyone!

[Elibee]

I too suffer from similar pains. I am about to be 23 and have been experiencing this pain since I was around 16-17yo. The first 2-3 days of my period are the worst and most painful. I get pain so strong that it makes me cry and I have to lay down. It starts off with a radiating numb pain in my lower abdomen and back then works its way up. I get nauseous to the point where even drinking something turns my stomach. My symptoms are as follows: sharp cramping pain in uterus,radiating stabbing pain from vagina to anus,radiating pain in back,top of my thighs and my lower abdomen. I get the sensation to go to the bathroom but end up there for about 20 mins because any attempt to move my bowels results in piercing agonizing pain in rectum and uterus simultaneously accompanied with nausea. When I am able to relieve myself I do feel slightly better. The pain in my uterus is sharp and theres a shooting pain in my vagina as well. Sitting down hurts and I can only find slight relief from laying on my sides. I end up putting a hot sock filled with rice on my lower abdomen and that helps tremendously,where after about 15 minutes using it I no longer feel cramps. When the sock is no longer warm i just reheat it in the microwave and place it back. I find thats the only relief I have for my pain. I do also take midol and other things like tylenol and motrin but they dont completely eliminate my pain. I havent been to the doctor in years for this because I just got insurance again this year but I really need to go. My periods arent very stable, they move around every couple of months so sometimes its hard to predict when I am going to have one and i've even missed some. I have even gotten two periods in one month (one in the beginning of the month and one in the end).I was put on birth control when i was in h.s and I think that gave me some relief if I recall correctly. Ive looked up my symptoms and it makes me wonder if I have some cysts or fibroids.

[lolalulu]

ive been having simular pains 4 the last few weeks, kinda niggly pains and sharp ones at times, they happen every now and then. i was in the bath earlier and i had a sharp pain in my anus, felt like a knife being shoved up there! it made me jump then i was worrying alot thinking i was goin to die! it hasnt happened since.ive been suffering with aniexty alot lately, just wondering if anyone else has due to the pain! im tryin to work out if i get it because of the pain or something else! i hate the doctors but i kno i shud go 2 put my mind at rest! many thanks x! :-) x

[meme213]

omg i was researching my symptoms and ended up here im glad i read ur comments im super scared im 20 years old and i want to have kids i dnt want to have endometriosis cuz it may cause infertility i even want to cry right now :'( it gets me sad to think about that. i have the same pain when im about to start my period or when it ends, its so painfull that have to stay still and wait till it goes away my mom once told me i was exagerating bt only we know how bad it hurts can anyone tell me if they were able to have children please i dont care about the pain im just concerned about me not having babies.

[barkleysmom]

I had had the same pains for 10 years, however, they didn't come when I had my period.  They came out of the blue and whenever I had them I had to lay down for about an hour.  I went to numerous doctors and to may ER's and ultimately was diagnosed with endometriosis.  I had surgery and they scraped out the scar tissue that was through out my uterus and anal area.  The pain disappeared for the last 7 years, however the anal pain has returned recently.  I would suggest having your gynecologist rule out endometriosis.  It is a very hard thing to diagnose though.  So good luck

[littleouchie]

Ohemgee. All of you people? I began to get this pain, I think this year. I'm 15, I'm a virgin, and also get random pain where my ovaries would be... I'm so scared. I can't believe everyone has this. To be honest, when I think of the pain it reminds me of what women look like when they have contractions. Like, seriously, like some messed up braxton hicks [sp] or whatever they are. xD. But idk, someone realllllllyyyy needs to help us figure this out ]:.