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Sometimes the muscles in and around the anal region go into spasm, and this can lead to a tightening of the sphincter that makes passing stool painful. It can also cause a tear, which can bleed.

Anal injuries can also be caused by sexual activity involving insertion of objects, fingers or a penis through the anus and into the rectum. Friction, sharp edges, or rough behaviour can tear the sensitive skin and lining of the rectum, causing pain, inflammation and bleeding.

Any injury that causes large amounts of blood loss, persistent pain and inflammation, or the lodging of a foreign object inside the rectum must be seen by a doctor.