* Proctalgia fugax is a benign, fleeting pain experienced in the perineum.
* The aetiology is unclear, but may be a pelvic floor myalgia or spasm of the internal anal sphincter.
* Therapies that produce relaxation of the internal anal sphincter appear to provide symptomatic relief.
Proctalgia fugax is a benign, self-limiting pain experienced in the perineum. It is common, but most sufferers do not seek medical advice. The aetiology is unclear, but a variation of irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor myalgia, and internal anal sphincter spasm have all been suggested. A careful history can elicit the characteristic history, and simple reassurance is often all that is necessary. For persistent symptoms, therapies that induce internal anal sphincter relaxation are of value.