A 25-year-old female presents with rectal bleeding and pain during defecation. She recently gave birth to her first child. On examination, there is a mass at the anal verge. What could be the cause, and what are the next steps?
Given her recent childbirth, her symptoms of rectal bleeding and pain during defecation, along with the finding of a mass at the anal verge, this patient likely has hemorrhoids, which can be a common occurrence due to increased intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy and delivery. Further investigation could include a digital rectal examination or proctoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment would likely involve conservative measures like dietary changes to prevent constipation, sitz baths, and possibly topical treatments.