Anal Discomfort

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The anus is the lowest part of the digestive tract, the opening from whichstool is passed out of the body. Anal discomfort includes pain, itching, orburning.

What is going on in the body?

Discomfort in the anal area can take many forms, including pain, itching, orburning. It is rarely life threatening, but it can be quite annoying. There areseveral possible causes.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Causes of anal discomfort include:

  • analfissure, which is a small erosion or wearing away of the lining onthe inside of the anus
  • anal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two areas of thebody
  • cancer or a tumor involving the anus, such as anal cancer
  • hemorrhoids, which are enlarged veins in the anal area
  • infections, including sexuallytransmitted diseases (STD) such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact.gonorrhea, herpes, andChlamydia trachomatis.\ Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In men, the infection normally involves the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. chlamydia
  • inflammatory bowel disease, which is a condition thatcauses inflammation of the bowel for unknown reasons
  • irritation of the anal skin or lining, which can be caused by excessivewashing or an allergicreaction
  • pruritis ani, which is a general term for itchiness of the anus that oftenhas no known cause
  • tenesmus, which is an urgent desire to move the bowels
  • trauma, which may be caused by anal sex
  • Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.

    Symptoms & Signs

    What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

    When a person has anal discomfort, the healthcare provider will need moreinformation. These questions may be asked of the person.

  • When did the discomfort start?
  • What is an exact description of the discomfort?
  • How long has the discomfort been occurring?
  • Is the discomfort constant or does it occur only occasionally?
  • Is the discomfort made worse by having a bowel movement?
  • Has there been any bleeding from the anus?
  • Does he or she engage in anal intercourse?
  • Has he or she ever had a sexually transmitteddisease, or STD?
  • What are the person’s bathing and washing habits?
  • Does he or she have any other medical conditions?
  • What medicines or drugs is the person taking?
  • Does the person have any other symptoms?
  • Other questions may be asked as well.

    Diagnosis & Tests

    How is the condition diagnosed?

    Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam. This may be all thatis needed to figure out the cause of the discomfort. In other cases, furthertests will be needed.

    If an STD is suspected, a culture may be done to determine the exact cause ofan infection. A culture is a test in which bacteria or other organisms aregrown in the lab from a sample of tissue. Tissue is collected by using specialcotton swabs to wipe the area around and inside the anus.

    If inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, anoscopy orsigmoidoscopy may be advised. These are special procedures thatallow a doctor to view the inside of the intestine. They both involve putting asmall instrument into the anus that contains a light and a camera.

    Prevention & Expectations

    What can be done to prevent the condition?

    Prevention is related to the cause. For example, safer sex practicescan help avoid cases from STDs. Avoiding anal sex can prevent cases from traumadue to this cause. Many cases cannot be prevented.

    What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    Most long-term effects are related to the cause. Anal discomfort from diarrheausually goes away without treatment and has no long-term effects. Inflammatory bowel disease can cause serious problems throughoutthe body. These may include damage to the intestines, joint pain, and visual impairments. Anal cancer can sometimes cause death.

    What are the risks to others?

    Anal discomfort is not contagious. However, if an infection is thecause, the infection might be contagious.

    Treatment & Monitoring

    What are the treatments for the condition?

    Treatment is directed at the cause. Excessive washing of the anus with soap isdiscouraged and often makes the pain worse. Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics.Inflammatory bowel disease is often treated with medicines such as prednisoneto reduce inflammation. Medicine or hemorrhoid surgery may be used forhemorrhoids. People with anal cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Side effects depend on the treatments. For example, antibiotics andsulfasalazine may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Surgerycan cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Outcomes after treatment are related to the cause. A person with diarrhea froman infection often feels better once the infection clears up. A person withinflammatory bowel disease often has repeatedflare-ups of the disease. A person with anal cancer may die if treatment fails.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcareprovider.

    Article type: xmedgeneral