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The term Proctalgia fugax refers to fleeting rectal pain. It often occurs in the middle of the night and can last a variable amount of time; generally from a few seconds to 30 minutes. Many sufferers encounter it less than 6 times a year.

The pain can sometimes accompany the urge to defecate—without success—or an erection in males.

There is no known cause for proctalgia fugax, but it is thought to be related to a muscle spasm of the rectum. There is also no known cure.

There are remedies which range from warm baths (if the pain lasts long enough to draw a bath), relaxation techniques, and gentle massage of the anus. Some sufferers adovacate the use of relaxant drugs, such as amyll nitrate. Salbutamol has even been suggested, though its effectiveness in this capacity remains unproven.

It is not known to be linked to any diseases and data on the number of people inflicted varies.

An episode may be avoided by making sure not to engage in sexual activity within a close time proximity to defecation.^{[citation needed]} Those afflicted can usually tell after either sex or after defecation whether they would be in danger of an episode if they were to engage in the other activity, the potential onset of an episode being usually preceded by a very slight version of the pain that will eventually become much more sharp.

After the onset of an episode, the most comforting measure to combat the pain is often to attempt defecation for as long as the pain lasts, even if defecation will not occur.

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Common Anorectal Conditions: Part I. Symptoms and Complaints - June 15, 2001 - American Family Physician