What this experience covers
This experience looks at electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS) as a treatment for chronic rectal pain, particularly levator ani syndrome. It is a composite drawn from many anonymised accounts and represents common patterns, not any single person’s story.
EGS is not a widely known treatment. Most people who encounter it have already been through other approaches — pelvic floor physiotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes — and are looking for something else that might help.
The pattern
How it works
Electrogalvanic stimulation uses a low-voltage electrical current applied to the pelvic floor muscles, typically via a probe placed in the rectum. The current is designed to fatigue the chronically tensed muscles, helping them relax. Think of it as a forced reset for muscles that have been in spasm.
What sessions feel like
People describe the experience as unusual but not painful:
- A tingling or buzzing sensation in the pelvic floor area
- Gradual muscle fatigue — a feeling of the muscles “letting go”
- Sessions lasting around 30 to 60 minutes
- Mild discomfort from the probe but not significant pain
- A feeling of relaxation in the area afterwards that can last hours or days
The treatment course
EGS is typically offered as a series of sessions — commonly three to six treatments over several weeks. People describe the effects as cumulative rather than immediate.
The range of outcomes
Experiences vary significantly:
- Some people describe dramatic improvement — a significant reduction in chronic rectal pain that had been unresponsive to other treatments
- Others describe moderate improvement — enough to make the condition more manageable
- Some notice little or no benefit
- A few describe temporary improvement that fades over weeks
The treatment is not widely available and is typically offered at specialist centres.
What people wish they had known
- That the treatment is awkward but not painful
- That results are cumulative — do not judge after a single session
- That it works best alongside other approaches, not as a standalone treatment
- That it is not available everywhere and may require travel to a specialist centre
Everyone’s situation is different. If you want to talk through yours in a private, judgement-free space, our chat is here.
When to contact your doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Pain that is severe or getting progressively worse
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- New symptoms after treatment
- Any concerns about the treatment or your condition