Why 'lightning bum' is more common among women - and when it means something is wrong
A number of health experts have offered an explanation for a health condition described by some sufferers as 'lightning bum'.
The main indicator of the sensation is a sudden, sharp, dagger-like pain that feels as though it's coming from around the rectum area.
It's important to emphasise here that 'lightning bum' should be distinguished from 'lightning crotch' - another personal woe that more and more people are discussing, as taboos surrounding intimate health continue to be broken down.
For reference, the latter describes a similar electric-like pain, but in the lower pelvis or vagina area, as opposed to around the derriere. 'Lightning crotch's' namesake derives from pain felt in both these areas, as well as the tailbone, rectum, legs, or lower abdomen.
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As we say, the only difference between this sensation and 'lightning bum' is where this shooting pain stems from.
"These sensations often last a few seconds but can definitely be intense enough to stop someone in their tracks," Hana Patel recently told Metro. "Medically, this type of pain often relates to spasms of the anal or pelvic floor muscles."
Apparently, the number of people living in the UK who suffer this condition is somewhat unclear, given that it's only defined by one uncomfortable symptom - and, unfortunately, not something many Brits are all that comfortable discussing.
What we do know, however, is that this sensation has become much more prevalent amongst female patients and is considerably rarer in men.
This observation was made by Dr Tony Banerjee of HarleyDoc, who spoke exclusively to Tyla about the very telling pattern.
Apparently, it's all due to the position of our pelvis in relation to our reproductive organs.
"Women report it more often because pelvic floor and pudendal nerve pathways are influenced by hormonal shifts and reproductive events," he explained.
"Oestrogen fluctuations across the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can change muscle tone and nerve sensitivity, making spasms more likely."
The HarleyDoc expert went on to emphasise that situations like pregnancy and childbirth can inflict injury onto pelvic floor muscles and nerves, adding: "Gynaecological conditions like endometriosis can refer pain to the rectum.
"Women are also more likely to develop pelvic floor tension patterns from chronic pain, constipation, or prior pelvic surgery, which can prime the area for spasm."
Dr Patel was in firm agreement as to why the condition is much more common amongst the ladies.
"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," she told the publication.
Asked how, if he was someone who experienced this sensation regularly, he'd best manage this condition, Dr Banerjee advised warming up, stating: "Heat (e.g., a warm bath or heat pad) can relax the muscles."
He also suggested, 'changing position, stretching, or applying gentle pressure over the perineum to provide quick relief', as well as avoiding 'prolonged constipation', by introducing further 'fibre, hydration' into your diet.
"If symptoms occur during high stress periods, pelvic floor physiotherapy or relaxation techniques can help break the cycle," the medic continued.
"People with recurrent episodes should also ensure no underlying pelvic floor disorders are present, particularly if they have gynaecological symptoms."
Topics: Health, Real Life, True Life, Advice, NHS, Periods, Women's Health
Rhianna Benson