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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Might Cause a Heavy Feeling in the Rectal Area?

A heavy feeling in the rectal area may be caused by issues such as swollen blood vessels (hemorrhoids), ulcers in the rectum (solitary rectal ulcer syndrome), or a change in how the rectum holds and feels (an enlarged rectum).

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Explanation

There are several possible reasons why your rectal area might feel heavy. First, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the anus and rectum that may make you feel fullness or pressure. These swollen veins can occur because of constipation or straining during bowel movements. Second, a condition called solitary rectal ulcer syndrome happens when the lining of the rectum gets injured and ulcerated. This injury can make you feel discomfort and pressure in the rectal area. Lastly, changes in the way the rectum fills with stool, especially if there is an enlarged rectum, can alter normal sensations. When the rectum is larger than usual or does not empty effectively, it might create a feeling of heaviness because you feel like there is always something inside. These conditions have been discussed in medical literature to help understand why someone might experience these symptoms. If these feelings continue, it would be good to speak with a healthcare provider about your symptoms.

(References)

  • Lohsiriwat V. Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 May 7;18(17):2009-17. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009. PMID: 22563187; PMCID: PMC3342598.

  • Zhu QC, Shen RR, Qin HL, Wang Y. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jan 21;20(3):738-44. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.738. PMID: 24574747; PMCID: PMC3921483.

  • Verkuijl SJ, Trzpis M, Broens PMA. Normal Rectal Filling Sensations in Patients with an Enlarged Rectum. Dig Dis Sci. 2019 May;64(5):1312-1319. doi: 10.1007/s10620-018-5201-6. Epub 2018 Jul 12. PMID: 30003387; PMCID: PMC6548060.

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