Dr Patel describes the bizarre health phenomenon as a ‘sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain in and around the rectum’.
“These sensations often last a few seconds but can definitely be intense enough to stop someone in their tracks,” the doc told the Metro. “Medically, this type of pain often relates to spasms of the anal or pelvic floor muscles.”
According to the expert, lightning bum can even feel similar to a muscle cramp but far more abrupt and severe, before fading away.
The number of us Brits affected by the symptom isn’t exactly clear, given that it’s such an underreported symptom, with those experiencing this pain experiencing it several times per year or month.
It’s also reported more often in women than men – as if periods, pregnancy, PMDD, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause weren’t enough!
“It can affect anyone, but due to gynaecological conditions that cause pain to occur in the rectum, and hormonal fluctuations which influence nerve sensitivity in the pelvis, not to mention pregnancy, it’s reported more often by women,” Dr Patel explains.
She adds that while lightning bum isn’t anything to worry about on its own, it could point to a deeper health problem. So, when in doubt, check it out.
Six main health problems could be causing these lightning strikes of pain, according to Dr Patel.
Up first is proctalgia fugax which is basically a brief spasm of the anal sphincter that sets off sharp pain that can vanish as quickly as it arrives. It affects a sizeable chunk of adults (18 percent), usually between 30 and 60.
It isn’t dangerous and often goes unreported but, if it becomes pesky, warm baths, light stretching, pelvic floor physio or muscle-relaxing medication can help settle things.
Endometriosis can create similar shocks as tissue around the uterus irritates nearby nerves, including those close to the rectum. The pain often flares around menstruation.
Pelvic floor spasms can play a part, too. These muscles tighten without warning and can be eased with targeted physiotherapy while IBS sometimes sits in the background as well.
Nerve Compression Syndrome is another possibility as a trapped nerve can send sharp signals downwards. Treatment ranges from physio to medication or, in some cases, surgery.
Sexually transmitted infections round out the list and are worth ruling out if other symptoms appear.
“STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and herpes can infect the rectum directly, leading to inflammation, nerve irritation, or muscle spasm that may cause sharp pain,” Dr Patel adds.
If your lightning bum symptom is persistent, you should see your GP, who can identify if one of the above is causing your pain.