title: Proctalgia fugax.
abstract: Proctalgia fugax is a benign, self-limiting pain experienced in the perineum. It is common, but most sufferers do not seek medical advice. The aetiology is unclear, but a variation of irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor myalgia, and internal anal sphincter spasm have all been suggested. A careful history can elicit the characteristic history, and simple reassurance is often all that is necessary. For persistent symptoms, therapies that induce internal anal sphincter relaxation are of value.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9YW, UK. mapotter@supanet.com
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bartolo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*